Kathy passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
She will be forever remembered by her husband, John Taylor–semicolon– children, Sean Taylor, Noel Taylor, Hilary Taylor and Ross Taylor–semicolon– mother, Mary–semicolon– siblings, Noel (Jane), Mike and Craig (Lori)–semicolon– as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Kathy was predeceased by her father, Kevin.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at St. Albert Catholic Church, 7 St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert.
The family wishes to convey special thanks to the staff at Capital Care Norwood, the University Hospital, the Cross Cancer Institute and our families and close friends for their compassion and care.
A scholarship fund in Kathy’s name will be established to honor her memory. Donations may be made to: Alberta Baroque Music Society, Box 3316, Sherwood Park, AB, T8H 2T2.
Bernie Kavanagh says
To Kathy\’s immediate family, John and their children, to her Mom, Mrs. Hogan, and to her brothers, Noel, Mike, Craig and their families, I am so sorry to hear that Kathy, such a great talent, such a great light to all who knew her, has passed away. My sincere condolences to all of you. May her memory, her spirit, her smiling presence ( Whenever I picture Kathy, she is always smiling) be a comfort in the days ahead. God bless you all.
Society for Talent Education Suzuki Strings in Edmonton since 1965 says
1. From Erin Hooper (a group lesson student): singing the day away, thinking of the many wonderful music teachers i\’ve had. so sad to lose one of those amazing people far too soon. Kathy, thank you for everything. the love of music you instilled in me from the very beginning has carried me through so many bad times and added to the very best times. you are so missed, but you will be remembered by the hundreds you touched and taught.
2. From Evan Bridges and mother Karen Weis (group lesson student): Oh my goodness! She was so young! She was Evan\’s first group teacher and I \”accosted\” her at the Upper Crust when I saw her instrument case, and asked her about where I could get lessons for my (then) baby. She directed me to the STE. Kathy was his group lesson teacher and a wonderful teacher and mentor to Evan.
3. From a colleague (Victoria Clarke) It is indeed sad news about our lovely Kathy.
4. From the Hooper family: Thanks for this news, sad as it may be. We had not heard so I\’m glad you told us. Even though we knew she was struggling for a long time one always hopes this will be one of those cases where the person lives beyond all expectations. Our sympathy to all the Suzuki people, In sorrow, Ione
5. From a colleague (Cherie Larson) I started teaching with Kathy at STE 24 years ago…some great memories of our two kids during a concert in St. Albert…Kathy was busy leading and I was accompanying and there were our two kids Carla and Noel in the front row hugging and kissing each other as 3+5 year olds! Sharing cinnamon buns/coffee and lunches that we had at High Level Diner…
6. From the Koller family (a group lesson student): My most endearing memory of Kathy was in a STE group class setting. The children in the class were high energy…each with their own little agenda and their own musical spirit. Since the children were on average 5-6 years old Kathy had her hands full guiding them for the full hour in the various activities. However, she managed to do it quite skillfully week after week. One particular week though the kids were hyper and the parents were chatty. She was working so hard to teach a group piece and finally as she saw the odds stacking up against her she put her viola down and said in a very clear and definitive voice, \” okay the kids can stay but the parents have to leave… Consider yourselves kicked out parents\”. She smiled her smile, watched as several parents exited and then happily resumed teaching. To me that was classic Kathy… All about the children and the music!
7. From Emma Hooper: Oh, that\’s such sad news. Thanks so much for letting me know Cherie. I have so many great memories of Kathy, and learned so much from her. (From all of my amazing teachers! Specific great memories are her teaching me how to \’fake\’ for orchestra. A real revelation! And of her teaching me to teach myself, saying \”you\’re good enough now to figure out any of the pieces in this book, so, figure them out!\” She was empowering and inspiring.
8. From a viola group lesson student and subsequent colleague: Charlene (VandenBorn) Bentum: Very sad to lose a great violist and person.
9. From Veronica Frank: Oh NO. That is terrible news. I distinctly remember the feedback she gave me for my graduation CD for Bach Bourree. She really carefully crafted her response in a way that completely boosted my confidence but also clearly explained things I could do to strengthen my performance. To have the ability to teach that way to a child you don\’t know, without being in person (I believe she wrote her response down, or recorded it maybe) – that is the mark of an amazing teacher.
10. From the Caulfield family (former students) Such sad news about Kathy. Alison loved having Kathy as a teacher and was devastated when she quit to play in the orchestra. We reconnected with Kathy this spring after seeing the story in the Journal. We realized then that Alison\’s terrific drama teacher( Noel Taylor) was her son. We had a visit with her at the U of A hospital. While she was unable to talk she could clearly understand what we were saying to her. Joanne
11. From the Wensel family (former students) I am sad to hear this. Kathy was a devoted teacher, and gave Vita, Becky and I so much.I wrote my first operatic scene (and heard it sung yesterday), and in the scene I\’m writing now I cannot help but remember Kathy in it. My deepest condolences go to Hilary, \”Mr. Talyor,\” Becky\’s drama teacher, John and the rest of the family. They already know this, but Kathy was a supreme human being.Katherine Koller
12. From the Stark family (former students) Thanks for letting us know about this. I am sorry to hear this… especially because Kathy was still a young woman. Prayers for her family and all whose lives she touched.
Erika Brodie says
2012-08-29
We met Kathy at our son Brodie’s first violin lesson with the Edmonton Society for Talent Education, which offers the Shin\’ichi Suzuki Method of teaching (classical) music. Brodie was five and a half, and it was our good fortune to have been assigned Kathy as our private lesson teacher. The experienced mother of four children, who had also taught children music for many years, Kathy was able to “read” a child’s (and parent’s) personality and respond with the most effective approach. During the six years of lesson’s and concerts with her, Brodie developed his musical talent, and we had the joy of witnessing Kathy’s wonderful story telling ability and her infectious sense of humour. I, as Brodie’s mother, also gained a friendly parent mentor.
At the beginning of that first lesson, Kathy asked Brodie, who had never been in a formal one-on-one teaching situation, “So, Brodie, you want to learn the violin?” To which Brodie nodded and responded “Yes.” “Why do you want to learn the violin, Brodie?” Brodie, whose paternal grandfather and father played fiddle, answered, “So I can play Randy the Fiddling Fire Man.” Several years of lessons later, when Brodie was technically ready, Kathy, who had an incredible memory, asked if he would like her to teach him to play the tune. A thrilling few weeks ensued as Randy the Fiddling Fire Man filled our living room during Brodie’s practices.
While I, more nervous than Brodie, have little recollection of that first lesson, Kathy, reminiscing years into the lessons, reminded me that Brodie had banged his head against the wall sometime during the session, probably as a tensional outlet. Since we were scheduled early in the first day of a new teaching year, with more students yet to come for their lessons, Kathy told me she had wondered, then, what the year was going to bring for her, if this was a harbinger.
At Brodie’s first Suzuki Institute at seven and half years old, his private Institute teacher, Philip Kashap, remarked on what a powerful tone Brodie had for someone so young, and how that was the best attribute to develop first in a string player. That comment underscored, once again, how fortunate we were to have Kathy as our teacher. Every parent wants the best for his or her child and we certainly believed we had the best with Kathy.
Kathy inspired us to attend many of her Alberta Baroque, Edmonton Symphony, and Citadel performances. At the following lesson, it was educational for Brodie to discuss the violin soloists’ technical and musical approaches with Kathy and amusing to listen to her anecdotes of various behind the scenes occurrences that we would not otherwise have been privy to. It was like being let in on a secret and made the experience more captivating.
As Kathy was very dedicated and offered lessons during the summer at her home, Brodie and I had the pleasure of meeting her children, Sean, Noel, Hilary, and Ross, as well as her husband John. Kathy’s deep love of her family was evident in the charming and entertaining stories she told about each family member; the revelation that she did four loads of laundry and made a slow cooker meal every day before leaving home, so that in spite individual schedules were all were fed, showed her profound attachment to and sense of responsibility for her family.
Kathy certainly made a positive and lasting impression on our lives and we are thankful that we had the privilege of getting to know her. Our love and sincere condolences to all the Taylor and Hogan family members – Erika, Brodie and Terry Ferguson.
Andrea Opgenorth says
Dear John,
I first met Kathy decades ago when you moved to Edmonton. I loved playing with Kathy because she was imperturbable and a fantastic professional role model. She also put up with my playing! Many years later, we had the privilege of having her teach our son violin for five years. Her patience, love, and generosity of self was astounding and unforgettable.
Kathy really taught me how to be a mom. Our family has been blessed to have known her.
I wish you every comfort – God bless you and your family!
Andrea Opgenorth
Lina Allemano says
Dear John,
I\’m so sorry to hear the terrible news of Kathy\’s passing. It\’s hard to put anything into words…
I just wanted to tell you that I\’m thinking of you and sending my very deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Love from Lina
Kent and Cari Davidson says
Dear John, Sean, Noel, Hilary and Ross
We are all so sorry and can\’t imagine the grief you must be feeling. Kathy has a special place in our hearts and we will always have fond memories of her and of the whole family. She was a very special person and has touched so many lives, she will be so missed.
Thinking of you all. Seeing her picture on this page made me smile, it is lovely!
Sincerely and with love,
The Davidson Family
Andrea Rose says
Dear Mrs. Hogan, John and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Kathy\’s passing. I hope you are finding strength in each other and by being together to share and enjoy your individual and collective memories of your wonderful daughter, wife and mother. I wish you peace as you work through your loss and this challenging time. My deepest condolences to all who have known and loved Kathy.
Kathleen Fewer says
First of all, I wanted to express my sincerest condolences to you all. I know it has been quite some time since I\’ve seen any of you, but my mom has kept me up to date with all the news about your mom, since her initial diagnosis. I am so so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother, she was definitely admired and loved by many people. There are probably not many words you could hear right now that would help, she was taken far too early from you. Take comfort in each other, your mom is still alive in each of you and you are the most wonderful product of her love.
Society for Talent Education Suzuki Strings in Edmonton since 1965 says
From a parent of Kathy\’s student Andrea Opgenorth:
Cherie, thank you for passing this message along to me: well, here it is:
Kathy was a ROCK
She taught me how to teach
She taught me how to be patient
She taught me how to be a mom.
She taught me how to be gracious.
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From Kim Hongyol in Korea who taught in STE with Kathy Hogan:
Cherie: What a sad news!! Kathy Hogan………..she was such nice musician and lovely person! l never forget! Please Convey my deep condolences to her family.
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From a mother of a former student of Kathy\’s:
4-year-old Sarah was embarking on her first ever viola recital. She made herself perfectly clear to Kathy that she wasn\’t planning on mounting the stage this time round. Kathy, being a veteran mother of 4, proceeded to produce a bright pink double bubble wrapper from her skirt pocket! Sarah promptly sprang to her feet,marched up to the stage and to our delight, proudly played her twinkles. Sarah\’s viola lessons were always full of Kathy\’s vibrant energy and positivity. Her love and dedication to both her family and music carefully threaded there ways through our weekly sessions. Kathy will continue to live in our hearts as a truly inspirational and beautiful person. We wish our sincerest condolences to John and the family. The Otto family.
Marie Fewer says
I am very sad that Kathy\’s battle has come to an end. She certainly fought the good fight. I wrote Maimie (Mary) and said that I firmly believe Kathy is in good hands now; Dad (Ged), Mike and Kevin are all welcoming her in heaven with smiling faces and open arms. I hope you find some comfort in this as I do. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Chalker Browne says
I knew Kathy through high school and university years. She was always so smart, talented, pretty and popular. But best of all, she was always lots of fun! I have good memories of all us gathering together on weekend nights – in someone\’s basement or family room. In those days we thought the world was ours and life would go on forever. I am so saddened to hear of Kathy\’s death, that someone so vibrant could be taken away so young. My heart goes out to her children, her husband, her mother and her brothers.
Susan Chalker Browne
St. John\’s
Marjorie Doyle says
I met Kathy when she was a kid and I was a grown up. I realize tonight looking at the dates she was 10, I was 15. She was 13, I was 18, and so on. These were the days of the Calos Youth Orchestra, St. John’s, 1970s. I was so shocked and saddened to read today of her passing. A lovely child, girl, young woman. Gentle, always with a smile, and, of course, love of music was our connection. I write because I would like her husband and children to know that Kathy’s loveliness extends way back, and those of us who knew her then, although not since, can only feel a warmth and a terrible sorrow when we read this notice today.
Marjorie Doyle
St. John’s
Jennifer Penton says
I was sorry to read of Kathy\’s illness and passing. I send my sympathies to you her family and will continue to hold her and you in my thoughts and prayers over the next few days.
Carolyn Bartlett says
I would like to express my sincere condolences to all of Kathy\’s family. I was very surprised and saddened today to read the announcement of her passing in the St. John\’s newspaper. Even though we hadn\’t been in touch in many years, I have many good memories of playing music together in a variety of musical groups in St. John\’s. Please accept my sincere sympathy as you deal with this very sad loss.
Tina Power says
John, Sean, Noel, Hilary and Ross:
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I know how much Kathy was loved by you, and your grief must be tremendous.
Fighting for as long as she did after her initial diagnosis shows how much she loved you all and wanted to stay with you. What determination (and stubbornness!!!).
As you lay Kathy to rest, I hope that you – Sean, Noel, Hilary and Ross – will live your lives through Kathy\’s example to you. John, even though we don\’t know each other, except for brief meets in St. John\’s, I hope you can find the strength to carry on.
Please take care.
Arlene and Derek Scott says
John, Sean, Noel, Hiliary, and Ross,
Our heartfelt sympathy to you all….Kathy was a wonderful spirit who will truely live on in your hearts and memories….we\’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you face the coming days.
To Mary, Mike, and Noel and family,
We have many happy memories of spending time at your house when we were all much younger…..the love that you have for each other will help you through this most difficult time.
To our dear friends….Craig, Lori, Kate, and Alex,
We\’ve seen your heartbreak over the last few months as you\’ve clung to every message and phone call…..though the miles seperated you, the love that you held for Kathy was far reaching……in your heart, you were with her. As you face each new day, we\’re here as always to share a hug or a laugh when you need it most.
Love,
Arlene and Derek
Brenda Murphy says
Mary it only seems like yesterday that you came into the bank and showed me a picture of Kathy\’s two boys very proud i might add and told me Kathy was in Alberta. I can remember walking home from school with Kathy as she carried her violin case so proudly. She use to get teased now and then about playing the violin but it didn\’t phase her. Kathy was in my class numerous times over the years.Gail, Anne and Kathy were insepreable i might add. May the Lord have Mercy on her Soul and may God give you Mary, Kathy\’s husband John , Noel Mike and Craig the strength to go forward and live life to the fullest. That\’s the way she would want it i\’m sure. God Bless
Rhonda Henshaw says
My deepest condolences to John and family. Kathy had such a gracious, gentle and positive spirit. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been her stand partner in 2008/09. I was returning to the symphony with a new baby, and the support she gave me really made the difficult transition bearable. The way she spoke of motherhood and the many stories she told of her children showed how much she loved and cherished each one of you. You are all in my prayers.
Neda Yamach says
My deepest condolences to the Taylor and Hogan families. Kathy will always be remembered for her kindness and grace.
Ann Connolly says
My heartfelt condolences to the Hogan and Taylor families on the passing of a dear woman, a woman whose fresh smile and musical talent walked with her wherever she trod. My family (Brennan) remembers her well in the musical circles here in St. JOhn\’s, in particular my brother Frank who played with her in the Calos Youth Orchestra. My twin Elizabeth and I spent special times in high school with Noel. Noel, my deepest sympathies are with you and your siblings. Your family, as I remember deeply, was closeknit and kind and sincere in words and deeds. May the beautiful memories of your sister remain vivid in your hearts forever. Prayers to you all.
Bernice Comeau says
Noel,
Over the years you have been there with words of encouragement through the loss of my dad, mom, brother and sister. It is now my time to express encouragement to you, though these days are difficult know that as each day passes the hurt will slowly abate, Although Kathy is no longer with you, she will be forever in your heart and soul. The laughter, the sorrow, the friendship that was forged during her life will always be an inspiration to you and you will come to rely on these memories in the days, weeks and months ahead. Noel, my thoughts are with you and your family. God bless.
Georgina/Ray Thurgood says
Our condolences and prayers are with you at this time, may you find some comfort in the thought that others care. I had the honor of sitting beside Kathy in Carnagie Hall in New York, a memory that I will never forget.
Mary Leduc says
Our sincere condolences at the loss of such an incredible lady.I always looked forward to sitting with her on the sidelines watching Andre and Ross play football. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time.
Anna and Jaromir Kozak says
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Kathy has touched so many lives and made a positive impact in so many ways.
She will be deeply missed.
Nancy Eaton says
So sorry to hear of Kathy\’s passing. I knew her in St. John\’s in my teens. Then I became friends with Noel and Jane. Kathy had a great light around her. She always made you feel good. That is a great gift to pass on.
Nancy Eaton and Jeff Day
Terry Battcock says
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. In thinking back on our years together growing up in St. John\’s, my family and the Hogan family seemed to have shared so many experiences that I cannot reflect on those days without including one, if not all of you, in the memory. God bless you all.
Paul Bartlett says
To John and family and Mrs. Hogan and family I am so saddened to hear of Kathy\’s passing. I remember sharing music with Kathy at music camps, with Calos Youth Orchestra, a wonderful run together in a youthful string quartet, and with my sisters and Dad. I remember Kathy as a caring person and a dedicated musician who played with superb technique and emotion. To all the family, we remember her fondly back here in Newfoundland.
Neil Hughes says
To John and Family,
I\’m so very sorry to learn of your loss. I remember meeting Kathy very briefly when you and I were in the National Youth Orchestra together, John (mid-1970s), before you were married, and thinking, \”Wow … John is one lucky man!\” I later learned what a fine violist Kathy was, and after I left both the Edmonton Symphony and then Canada altogether, and you joined the ESO, John, I learned from our mutual friend Mikiko Kohjitani what a supportive and highly professional musical colleague Kathy always was, too. All that, and an exemplary mother and spouse, too. Such a loss is too much to contemplate, and I am sorry that you are all hurting so badly right now. May time help you fold the pain into and under your daily lives. I will be thinking of you.
Bill Donahue says
To the entire Taylor and Hogan families my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. Growing up is St John\’s I remember spending many Friday or Saturday nights at the Hogan household on Gower Street and seeing Kathy\’s electric smile as she watched us fumble through adolescence. May she rest in peace.
Bill Brennan says
To the Taylor and Hogan families – my sincere condolences to all of you. I remember Kathy for her sweetness, her smile and warmth and her music. I was one of the youngest members of the St. John\’s music community back in the late 70\’s, and Kathy always had a smile, and was one to make you feel comfortable even though much younger. I hope all of you can find support in the love that Kathy shared. Sincerely, Bill Brennan
marilynn sangster says
We are so very sorry that we have all lost such a wonderful vibrant person. Bob and I often talk about the wonderful New Year\’s Day we spent with you and Cathy and the then children at Jasper Park Lodge. It is a memory we will cherish forever.
Tracy, Irwin, Steve, Amy & Jennifer Forsythe says
We just heard of Kathy\’s passing two days ago, and although we knew she had been courageously fighting cancer, it was still very saddening to hear of the loss of your beautiful wife and Mom. Ross, our thoughts are with you especially as we know you the very best, as you have grown up with Steve at Bertha Kennedy and VJM. We enjoyed watching you two boys play hockey together, seeing your mom at the arena cheering you on, as she was such a fan of watching your sports. And, Hilary, you played soccer with our daughter Amy one year and I fondly remember sitting with your Mom in the stands (Starbucks in hand) and the two of us cheering and yelling so loudly as you girls played. I always enjoyed seeing Kathy and being around her. She will be greatly missed. Please know that our family is holding you all in our hearts at this sad, sad time. Love and Light to you all from the Forsythe Family in Kelowna.
Don & Donna Keeler says
Words cannot say how very sorry we are for your loss. Kathy was certainly a fighter and wanted to stay with her family as long as she could. We have many memories as our kids grew up together. When you moved from Grandin to Lacombe Park, so did we as to keep the boys closer. Kathy will still be watching over all of your as you live your lives. We pray that you will get through this dificult time, and please know that we are here for you.