Today is Kathy's birthday. I hope to have dinner with Nina and Michael so we can laugh over some happy stories, and share our sadness that she's no longer with us every day. I think I miss her more rather than less as time goes by. I hope Kathy lives on in lots of people's memories. I imagine her having amazing adventures and exploring her world, wherever she is and whatever she's up to today.
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I am so sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. I taught school with her in Dartmouth, Ma and we became friends. We lost touch but I have thought of her many times over the years and reached out via email when I thought I found her teaching in NY. This is a lovely tribute.
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To the Shelhart family and Kathy's loved ones,
My condolences for your loss. Kathy Shelhart (Mrs. Shelhart to me then) was my music teacher for several years at the American School in Japan. When I picked up the cello, she also became my instructor. It just so happened that we also both moved from Tokyo to the US Tri-State region at the same time -- Kathy to Chappaqua, NY and myself to New Canaan, CT. I continued my cello lessons with her then, a nice continuation of a tradition. Although it may sound a bit cliche, I reflect now and can see that Kathy instilled in me a love of music. Cello instructors I've had since then emphasized technique, but Kathy taught me to play with my heart.
Toward the end of our time together, Kathy helped me to refine and submit a recording of Saint-Saen's Allegro Appassionato and Faure's Sicilienne, which helped me to win acceptance to my dream high school. The recording took place at my house, and Kathy brought a pianist friend with her to help with the recording. I remember us all laughing because the pianist had expected us to own a real piano and instead we asked him to play the accompaniment on a small electric keyboard.
I feel lucky to have had her as my instructor. My parents (Yasuko and Naoki), who also knew Kathy well, send their condolences as well.
Ken Watari
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2003, The American School in Japan
Kathy with one of her students, Ken
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Dear Nina and Michael,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your Mum. I learnt violin from her for years in Melbourne and remember clearly when you were born Nina and how excited we all were. I loved the enthusiasm that Kathy brought to everything she did and she kept us all on our toes with the numerous orchestras she created - all for our benefit.
Kind regards to you both.
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Kathy was in my Search Inside Yourself Teacher Training in Bangkok, and I was fortunate enough to go out dinner with her and a few others one night. I distinctly remember Kathy's hunger for learning, how she was searching for more avenues to learn more about mindfulness. I was really impressed by that. Kathy also seemed to be shy to open up about her interest in Buddhism, so I was happy that we had such a diverse community there in Bangkok to welcome her with open arms, to encourage healthy questioning of norms, which perhaps may have helped her further pursue that path in the last few years. I hope Kathy left us in peace and is liberated from all of her worldly suffering. I wish her family will be happy and peaceful, and I hope all of us can be happy and peaceful.
With love,
Ryan 💗
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2017, Chattanooga, TN, USA
Kathy holding 4 day old alpaca cria
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Shelhart Family my sincere condolences. Loosing a loved one is never easy and when is life is cut short it’s more difficult to deal with death. Death is an enemy to us all, taking away our most beloved ones. In John 11:11 death is compared to a peaceful sleep and just like we all awaken from sleeping, Jehovah God will wake Kathy up. Acts 24:15 Jehovah God offers us the hope of the resurrection. May this hope help you endure till you are able to hold Kathy in your arms again.
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Michael, Nina, and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I was so very sad and shocked to hear of your moms passing. The HCC community and the world has lost a bright light, but will always be in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She indeed spoke so highly of you, Michael and Nina. Proud beyond words. May your moms peaceful and quite spirit stay with you forever.
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Kathy was always smiling when she walked through the hallways of HCC. Her joy and talent will truly be missed.
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My sincere condolences to the Shelharts and Sayers on Kathy's passing. I will miss her humor and her sweet, kind, vivacious spirit. Love to you all.
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Kathy, we were friends and colleagues from the day you started teaching at HCC. I enjoyed our coffee time outside of school, where we would talk about many topics and share stories about our children . We also had fun “Vintage Ladies” party time! In school, we shared many students, and with your skills, spirit and kindness, they grew so much. I would always sign up to chaperone the orchestra (and band) concerts. I loved watching you and your students perform on those nights! You were a bright light in our school and will be missed. However, you will live on in your children and through the fund they set up.💔❤️
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2013, Whangārei, New Zealand
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2013, Whangārei, New Zealand
Reconnecting
— with
michael sayers
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I was lucky to be Kathy’s sister in law. I really got to know Kathy when we were all living in Japan at the same time. Warrick and I used to travel down from Matsumoto to Tokyo regularly to visit. We have very fond memories of spending time with our family. Babysitting Nina at times, connecting with each other and enjoying each other’s company. Kathy very generously spent many hours with me engrossed in Suzuki teacher training at this time. Her vast knowledge and experience has been invaluable. In 2013 we enjoyed Kathy and Michael’s visit - to reconnect with family and share with Michael the special connection she had with New Zealand. This time it was chatting all about Qigong and energy healing. Our journeys seem to overlap and had grown in a similar direction. Kathy you will always be present in our hearts. With all our love ❤️
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Kathy was always the sweetest and most welcoming person at HCC when I came around to take photos for the yearbook. She was always so excited to show off her students' talents and her pride in their abilities always shone through. Kathy was such a wonderful person, and I will miss seeing her smile each day as I come down to visit the music wing!
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1984, Rotorua, New Zealand
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