Memories of Kathy Gene Shelhart

In memory of

Kathy Gene Shelhart

Harrison, NY

October 23, 1951 - September 5, 2021

Oct 23, 1951 - Sep 5, 2021

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Rosie Bentley

1984, Rotorua, New Zealand

Summer tuition

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Susanne Bentley

Rosie Bentley

1984, Rotorua, New Zealand

Preparing for the evening concert

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Susanne Bentley

Rosie Bentley

1984, Rotorua, New Zealand

Suzuki Winter Camp cello ensemble

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Susanne Bentley

Comments:

Susanne Bentley

The best 'cello teacher ever!! Thank you Kathy for the caring & inspiring way you taught me. The best 'cello teacher ever!! Thank you Kathy for the caring & inspiring way you taught me. The best 'cello teacher ever!! Thank you Kathy for ... Read more

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Rosie Bentley

1984, Rotorua Suzuki Winter Camp

Susanne Bentley

Comments:

Rosie Bentley

Kathy's magnetism drew both students and parents to her. She taught cello with our daughter Susanne and ... Read more Kathy's magnetism drew both students and parents to her. She taught cello with our daughter Susanne and violin with one of sons... Read more Kathy's magnetism drew both students and parents to... Read more

Susanne Bentley

Love from me, as I start my twins on their Suzuki journey, with violin. I wish they could have had you as... Read more Love from me, as I start my twins on their Suzuki journey, with violin. I wish they could have had you as a teacher too Kathy!... Read more Love from me, as I start my twins on their Suzuki journey,... Read more

Caroline Abourezk

This is a beautifully written obituary that truly conveys Kathy’s life story. She was a great friend and teacher and I’m sorry she’s gone. Big hugs to you both, Nina and Michael. —Your old neighbor and mom’s coworker from ASIJ.

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Jody Fuller

1998, Tokyo, Japan

Concert time with Kathy was always a peak experience for the students.

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Candice McGowan

Jody Fuller

1996, Tokyo, Japan

Kathy and her singers did Halloween better than anyone.

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Candice McGowan

Comments:

Jody Fuller

I loved working with this creative educator. I loved working with this creative educator. I loved working with this creative educator.

Helen Brinkman (nee Polglase)

I count myself very lucky for the time Kathy was in Hamilton NZ. I started group cello lessons at high school in 1981 (Form 1/Year 9). In 1982 aged 15 I had my first ever private cello lesson with Kathy with my mother Christine sitting taking notes. Right from the beginning Kathy 100% believed in my ability. Her enthusiasm and confidence in me changed me. Kathy didn't put up with me wasting her time. She had a colour system and made it clear that if she added the 3rd colour to a particular extensions study that I kept avoiding then she would no longer teach me. It was the best thing she ever did. When she left NZ she had organised that I would continue learning with James Tennant in Auckland. And it all unfolded from there. Every student needs one teacher that has their back, that can see their potential and Kathy is that person for me. You will never be forgotten Kathy. Thank you for everything you gave to me xxoo

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Susanne Bentley

judy jackson

Kathy was a shining light at the Sound healing training program we took together. I am so sorry for this loss to her family and friends. My deepest condolences.

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Karen Seevers

Comments:

Karen Seevers

Playing her new gongs! Sweet sounds! Playing her new gongs! Sweet sounds! Playing her new gongs! Sweet sounds!

Karen Seevers

Comments:

Karen Seevers

Kathy with her beautiful new gongs! Kathy with her beautiful new gongs! Kathy with her beautiful new gongs!

Karen Seevers

Comments:

Karen Seevers

In Front of the Court House in Seward, NE In Front of the Court House in Seward, NE In Front of the Court House in Seward, NE

Karen Seevers

Shared a heart

Comments:

Karen Seevers

To Kathy’s dear children and family, there is little I can add to all these beautiful memories of your mom... Read more To Kathy’s dear children and family, there is little I can add to all these beautiful memories of your mom and sister. She was... Read more To Kathy’s dear children and family, there is little... Read more

Bev Oliver

Dear Nina and Michael,

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother this morning as I was teaching.

I was one of the first families to welcome Kathy here to New Zealand all those years ago.

She taught my three sons, two on violin and one on the cello. She was the reason my youngest son learnt cello going on to play with the Bergen Philharmonic in Norway.

Thank you Kathy. Your ready smile, laughter and positive belief in all that could be achieved through learning Suzuki method has never left me and enriched our lives.

I treasure the many memories of our musical experiences and time spent together with my family.

You still influence the way I teach today with what I observed in the lessons you gave my sons and the workshops you led our teachers here in Hamilton, in the art of learning and teaching Suzuki violin and cello.

Kathy, thank you for coming to NZ.

Thank you for teaching my boys and being our mentor and friend.

You will always be in our hearts and memories.

Love Bev Oliver

Hamilton, New Zealand

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judy jackson

Joseph Schmidlin

Shared a heart

Joseph Schmidlin

Aileen Kanoh

Candice McGowan

1996, Tokyo, Japan

Listening to the Bach Double brings back memories of learning violin from Kathy. Playing the Bach Double together with Kathy was (and still is) a big moment for me!

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Comments:

Aileen Kanoh

I am so sad to hear of Kathy's passing. She was a very kind colleague and friend. I have many fond memories... Read more I am so sad to hear of Kathy's passing. She was a very kind colleague and friend. I have many fond memories of working with ... Read more I am so sad to hear of Kathy's passing. She was a ... Read more

Joanna Bergelson

What a lovely description of Kathy’s remarkable life. When I saw her during our back to school prep days in late August, she was excited to be back after her recuperation from knee surgery. She beamed as she shared the latest updates abt Nina & Michael, of whom she was always fiercely (and justly!) proud.
In many ways, the spirituality Kathy radiated gave her a sort of ethereal presence but she was full of power, too. I loved watching her conduct her students with such grace and passion. She always supportive of me as a colleague and an artist and I will miss her.
I am so sorry for your loss and wish you - Kathy’s children and siblings- healing and peace.

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Connie Shimizu

I’m very sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She brought a lot of joy to music classes at The American School in Japan, Nursery Kindergarten. Condolences to her family.

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David Lintvelt

Dear Kathy,

As a young boy you introduced me to music and playing the acoustic guitar at ASIJ in the 90's. Passions I still hold dear today thanks to your inspirational manner of teaching. Your lessons were always a highlight of the day and I have many fond memories of participating in class.

Thank you so much for your teachings!

David Lintvelt

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Satsuki Shibuya-Thoeng

Dearest Nina,

Sending you warm embraces and love from all of us. You and your family are in our thoughts. May your mother's spirit continue to be as beautiful and inspiring to all.

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Susan Scheibner

1994, Tokyo, Japan

Kathy playing guitar at Akiko Chan’s birthday party — with Kathy Shelhart

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Susan Scheibner

1995, Tokyo, Japan

Kathy with the treasure cake she baked for Nina’s fifth birthday party

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Susan Scheibner

1994, Tokyo, Japan

Picnic under cherry blossoms

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Comments:

Susan Scheibner

Kathy was a dear friend in Tokyo. Her daughter Nina and my son, Alex, were playmates and attended Japanese... Read more Kathy was a dear friend in Tokyo. Her daughter Nina and my son, Alex, were playmates and attended Japanese yochien (preschool)... Read more Kathy was a dear friend in Tokyo. Her daughter Nina... Read more

Shawn Amdur

My condolences on the loss of a wonderful person, who was my friend. I was amazed by Kathy’s humanism, intelligence, passion, talent, and sensitivity.

She was a master teacher- a quiet professional- confident, caring and nurturing.

The World lost a worldly person, a mentor, sage, and therapist.

I wish I could have had the opportunity to speak to her once more before her unexpected passing, right before the new school year!

Goodbye, Kathy, May you Rest In Peace! I will miss you, and remember all of our talks!

Your friend and colleague,

Shawn Amdur

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