Georgina Cruz Kattas, a resident of Mexico City, passed away in December 2024 at the age of 96. A fiercely independent woman, she was not married, had no children, and did not have any heirs. Understanding the importance of financial security in her later years, she had established a trust 25 years prior, naming Ursuline Academy of Dallas as the beneficiary.

This spring, Ursuline Academy was blessed to receive Georgina’s bequest and subsequently established The Georgina Cruz Kattas Scholarship Endowment, which will provide tuition support to students with financial need in perpetuity. A portion of the funds were also added to the Gretchen Z. Kane Endowment, which will provide unrestricted support to the Academy for generations to come.

Her decision to entrust Ursuline Dallas was guided by thoughtful conversations with her financial advisor in Brownsville, Texas. He encouraged her to reflect on the most peaceful and joyful moments of her life. She recalled fond memories from her time as a boarding student at Ursuline, where the Ursuline Sisters provided her with guidance, refuge, and a profound sense of gratitude for their influence on her journey.

Before attending Ursuline, Georgina lived in Mexico City with her father, a successful merchant. She lost her mother as a child, and when her father remarried, her stepmother arranged for her to attend boarding school, a decision that ultimately led her to Ursuline.

Upon returning to Mexico City, her father gifted her a large chicken farm, which she managed with determination, transforming it into a lucrative business. Over time, the city’s expansion created a demand for land, enabling her to sell the farm at a significant profit.

Those who knew Georgina described her as energetic, intrepid, and courageous. She found joy in simple pleasures—food, jewelry, and travel—while embracing solitude. A passionate explorer, she embarked on solo journeys across the world, even traveling alone to Japan in her mid-80s, a destination she cherished deeply.

In addition to her trust, Georgina ensured that her generosity extended beyond borders, providing for the Ursuline Sisters in Mexico by naming them as the beneficiaries of her home in Mexico City.

Her legacy remains one of strength, independence, and an enduring gratitude for the kindness she received, which she, in turn, passed forward.