Kathryn A. Errecart

1925 - 2013

Kathryn A. Errecart September 4, 1925 - October 22, 2013 Kathryn Errecart, an amazing woman; gifted musician; brilliant teacher of English composition, literature and music; loving mother, grandma and great-grandma left this physical plane peacefully at the age of 88. She lived a long and meaningful life that touched and profoundly influenced the lives of many students and was deeply loved and respected. Our family celebrates her and sends her spirit in love on to her new adventures and experiences. Born in Cadott, Wisconsin to Ellsworth and Clara Gustman, she moved with her family to Los Angeles at the age of fourteen and graduated from Van Nuys High School at sixteen. She graduated from UCLA with degrees in both English and music at the age of nineteen and accepted a position as a music teacher in the Tehachapi School District. Later, she received a Master's degree in English from Fresno State University. She was married to Tehachapi resident, Pete Errecart for thirty-one years and with him raised two children. She taught in the Tehachapi Unified School District for forty-seven years, during which time she helped shape the lives of three generations of English and music students. Upon her retirement from the schools, she created a full-time piano studio through which she continued to serve her community by offering her musical and instructional talents to piano students for an additional fifteen years. Some quotes from her students speak best to the life she lived. "She was the best teacher ever and I will never forget her. She taught me English composition, literature and piano. Because of her, I was able to get a first-class university education, and she made it possible for me to make a living as a composer, writer, editor and music educator. It really is true that a great teacher can make a difference in your life, and I know that Kathryn was that teacher for thousands of us who were lucky enough to be her students." Jack Van Zandt, Tehachapi High School Class of 1972 "Mrs. Errecart reinforced my love of literature and reading as well as my love of classical music. She was my Honors English teacher throughout high school and my piano teacher for nine years. No doubt, she was tough, both in the classroom and at the piano. She had our best interests at heart and pushed us to succeed. I am thankful my son Jacob was one of her piano students over seven years ago until she retired. Mrs. Errecart truly loved her students and her legacy has lived on in our house through English classes and love of the piano. What I learned from her remains with me to this day and has been passed down to my own child. God Bless you Mrs. Errecart." Corinne Mendoza Cortez, Tehachapi High School Class of 1980 Kathryn is survived and deeply loved by son Larry and wife Wendy Errecart of Sacramento; daughter, Jeanne Levig of Bakersfield; daughter-of-the-heart, Jamie Sullivan of Bakersfield; grandchildren Christopher and wife Lisa Errecart of Long Beach, Joshua and wife Jamie Errecart of Roseville, Dr. Keith and wife Mandy Errecart of Long Beach, Erik and wife Mindy Levig of Bakersfield, Kelly Levig and fiance Chris Dison of Bakersfield, and great-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Cole, Carson, Kobe, Jackson, Ava, Avery, Maya, and Malia Errecart, Davyn and Logan Levig and Riley Dison. Our love and gratitude go to Tina, Vita and all the staff at Heritage Assisted Living for your loving care of mom these last four years. You are all such a blessing. A celebration of this remarkable life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 11AM in the gymnasium of Jacobson Middle School in Tehachapi. (711 Anita Drive.) In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Kathryn Errecart Memorial Scholarship. Make checks payable to LightWave Education with Kathryn Errecart Scholarship in the memo line. Donations may be made at the Celebration of Life service or mailed to Jeanne Levig, 6713 Sly Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93309. www.bakersfield.com/obits