Katherine Anne Taepke

Katherine Anne Taepke (17 September 1921 – 28 February 2012) was an American nurse and Catholic missionary with the MaryKnoll Sisters, whose work contributed to the expansion of rural healthcare services in Tanzania. She was assigned to Tanganyika, where she directed hospitals, dispensaries, and clinics across the regions of Musoma, Shinyanga, Singida, and Mwanza, including facilities she helped establish in Massa, Sayusayu, and Mwamapalala.

Taepke's work in Tanzania included obstetrical care, maternal and child health coordination, clinic administration, and later AIDS ministry and community pastoral visitation. She remained in Tanzania until 2006 before returning to the Maryknoll Center in New York.

Early life and education Katherine Anne Taepke was born on 17 September 1921 in Detroit, Michigan, to Grace (Price) and Walter G. Taepke. She grew up in Annunciation Parish and attended Annunciation Parish Grammar and High School.