Biography
Mr. Reginald and Mrs. Sarah Halm-Lutterodt were the proud parents of Kate Halm-Lutterodt (aka Miss K, Sweetie G, Auntie Kate, Nanaa Kate, Teacher Kate, and Katie One Gal) and her older brother Nicholas Halm-Lutterodt (aka “Papanii Lutterodt”). Kate was born on March 23, 1940 in James Town; Accra, Ghana. Her father was a distinguished School Headmaster ("School Principal" in the United States). Her mother was distinguished as the first Lady Clerk to work at the Government Secretariat, formerly known as the Colonial Secretary’s Office.
Kate started her formal elementary school education at the Methodist Girls’ School in Accra where she graduated with distinction in English and general subjects. Kate’s completed her higher educational studies at St. Monica’s Teacher Training College in Mampong; Ashanti,Ghana. There she received her “Teacher’s Certificates B and A”, respectively. Kate’s teaching career of nearly a decade, afforded her the privilege of working in some of Ghana's finest Middle Schools. Her duties and responsibilities included preparation of Middle Form Four Students for the Nationwide Standardized Competency Tests in Mathematics, English, and Geography.
Always the dedicated, consummate and energetic pedagogue, her dedication paid off. In 1965, Kate was featured with her students at a rally, on the front page of one of Accra’s leading local newspapers (DAILY GRAPHIC), celebrating Ghana’s Independence Anniversary. This event definitely marked the highlight of her teaching career. Obviously, to anyone who knew Kate, the newspaper could not have been more spot on in its choice. Kate’s father, recognizing her great potential, then afforded her the opportunity of a lifetime; to go to America. Kate could further her education, thus, benefiting from the unlimited opportunities there. Upon arrival in the US, Kate quickly capitalized upon every opportunity available. So, it makes sense she’d find a way to continue her education and did so by attending the Washington Business Institute. There she completed classes and became an Executive Secretary.
The union of Sarfo Kweku Mensah and Kate Halm-Lutterodt resulted in the joyful birth of their beloved, bouncing baby daughter, Konadu Sarfo-Mensah. Born on September 3, 1972, Konadu spent part of her formative years in Ghana under the adoring eyes of her grandmother Sarah, fondly referred to as “Sweet Mother”; returning to the US in 1979. Kate’s life would forever be changed once she became a full-time mother to Konadu.
Kate’s lifelong love of learning would then continue at the private and prestigious St. Francis College in downtown Brooklyn, New York City. There, she'd major in Accountancy and Data Processing. Always a multi-tasker and hard worker, Kate was now a devoted mother while also attending St. Francis College. During that time, Kate was also employed by one of the 1992 Presidential Candidates's, Ross Perot, companies. The company had a private contract with the U.S. Department of Labor. In their employ, Kate’s responsibilities included: supervising ten Data Entry Operators, writing, formatting and printing mandated reports for management. That contract was later picked up by Vanguard Corporation where she continued to work. At Vanguard, in recognition of her dedication and strong work ethic, she was eventually promoted to managerial status.
Kate's lighter side was as driven as her professional/business side. Kate’s joy of life (joie de vivre) was quite visible and tangible. Her penchant for life was evident if ever you were privileged to eat a cake she'd baked, a dish she’d lovingly/diligently prepared or ended up on a dance floor she commanded. In the kitchen and on the dance floor, Ms. K. was a formidable contestant.
During Kate’s enthusiastic daily meal plannings/preparations for her family, she birthed an idea. She began contemplating entrepreneurship. That was it!!! She'd would undertake the challenge of owning and operating a food/foodstuffs centered business. Kate recognized the great need for African/Caribbean products that were not easily available to members of the neighboring African/Caribbean communities. That idea, that plan would come to fruition once she opened her store to fill that void. In time, she would realize her dream. After resigning her position as manager, Kate developed her business plan.
Kate was now free to pursue her dream of opening an African Grocery Store!!! She knew it wouldn't be easy but she was totally commited to realizing her dream. Til this day, Kate is still known as the first person to open an African Grocery Store in Hillside, New Jersey. Her store, “Ms. K. Gourmet”, on Maple Avenue, became the place to go for tasty authentic Ghanaian cuisine and international foodstuffs from Africa. She had found her niche and was brilliant in it!!!
What more could Kate ask for??? Through the union of Phillip Good and Konadu Sarfo-Mensah, Kate was blessed with three amazing grandchildren. These apples of Kate’s eye are; Elijah,14 and twins Laila and Nyla 7.
Kate Halm-Lutterodt’s educational pursuits, professional careers and entrepreneurial accomplishments were definitely realized. As exceptional as all those accomplishments were, they didn’t hold a candle to roles as: CHILD OF THE ONLY TRUE GOD, FOLLOWER OF JESUS THE CHRIST, INDWELLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, Mother, Mother-In-Law, Grandmother, Sister, Sister-In-Law, Auntie, Cousin, In-law and Friend.
WE WILL MISS HER IMMEASURABLY AND LOVE HER ETERNALLY.