Valli Katz

Valli Katz was born in Vienna in 1907, her husband Joseph in 1911. When Hitler marched into Austria in 1938, she and Joe were forced to flee, fortunately receiving sponsorship here in Western Australia.

 They arrived late in August accompanied by both sets of parents, her brother - the well known artist Louis Kahan - and an aunt. With them also came some family furniture including a much-prized grand piano, important because classical music was a vital part of their lives.  Her son John recalls how Joe would follow scores in front of him as he listened.

Joe had good English skills, having studied universities in both Germany and England, and was soon employed with Boans Limited. Valli had worked with her father as a tailor in Vienna. She had a keen eye for design along with fine sewing expertise and soon had a thriving business operating in William Street, Perth. Joe meanwhile began developing Katz and Company involving various agencies. He passed away suddenly in 1968 before we had the chance to meet him. A keen bridge player himself he made a significant contribution to the game in Western Australia.

 Valli was a strong-minded woman and worked tirelessly for causes dear to her heart. She had many interests including classical music, enjoying concerts, the theatre, opera and art. She was on the council of WABC. for many years as either House or Building chairperson. At one stage she was in charge of buying trophies. Come the January sales, she would head off the Olsons in the city to buy all those needed for the coming year. I loved going with her on these outings. The look on treasurer George Wright's face when we presented the bill; the difficulty come December matching purchases with Club event winners: these were fond memories of outings with Valli.

 It was a treat to be invited to sample Valli's great cooking. She loved entertaining, regularly hosting drinks and bridge parties in her own home. You could always enjoy a good spread when she was in charge of catering for special Club events.

Brother, Louis Kahan, was very dear to her. On his visits to Perth from his home in Melbourne she arranged for him to show his work and undertake portrait commissions. Her own private art collection was quite significant. She loved to travel too, returning to Europe on several occasions - especially to Salzburg where, as a youngster, she had enjoyed skiing. In her latter years she was content to spend time with her family and to invite friends home for bridge and a slice of her delicious Viennese cakes.

Valli passed away in 2000. Her personal values touched and influenced many people over many decades. We in the bridge world were fortunate to be part of her life.

Thank you Valli

Helen George

 Published in August 2008 Edition of Trumps Plus