| Kathryn Albertson | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 27, 1908 Boise, Idaho, USA |
| Died | April 30, 2002 (aged 93) Boise, Idaho, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Kathryn McCurry |
| Education | College of Idaho |
| Known for | Philanthropist, wife of Albertsons founder Joe Albertson |
| Spouse | Joe Albertson |
| Children | Barbara Jean Newman |
| Parents | Neunan and Ida Mae McCurry |
| Website | |
| J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation | |
Kathryn Albertson (August 27, 1908 – April 30, 2002) was the wife of the founder of the Albertsons chain of grocery stores and a notable philanthropist.
She was born Kathryn McCurry, in Boise, Idaho on August 27, 1908, the daughter of Neunan and Ida Mae McCurry. Kathryn went through the Boise school system. After graduation, she enrolled at the College of Idaho, Caldwell, where, in chemistry class, she met Joe Albertson.[1]
The two fell in love. They married on New Years Day in 1930, and their lasting partnership was marked by great love, unwavering support, and respect for hard work.
Together, they started the grocery store chain that bears their name (Albertsons). Kathryn was there for Joe and for their daughter, Barbara, as the store they created grew to be one of the largest supermarket chains in America.
Kathryn and Joe believed strongly that “once you make it, you need to give back.” Together, they began to give to a number of charitable causes, often to help students who wanted to further their education. In 1966, they created the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation to help administer their personal giving.[2]
When Joe died in 1993, Kathryn, her family, the company, and the community suffered a tremendous loss, but Kathryn persevered. With the same resolute spirit she and Joe shared, Kathryn remained active on the Albertson Corporation Board of Directors for several more years. In 1998, the company honored her by designating her Albertson’s first Director Emeritus, an honorary lifetime position on the Board of Directors[3][4]
Kathryn died in April 2002.