Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2013
Kathleen McIntosh Obituary
Wolf Creek —Kathleen Alice McIntosh, 73, retired music educator and Great Falls Symphonic Choir director, died Friday, August 2nd in her home in Wolf Creek after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born October 16, 1939, in Duluth Minnesota, she was the only daughter of Vivian and Herbert McIntosh. They and a brother, Herb, preceded her in death. She received her education in Minnesota--a BA from MacPhail College of Music and later her MA from the
University of Minnesota, Duluth. In 1964, after teaching 3 years in Aurora, Minnesota, she moved to Great Falls to accept a teaching position at what was then West Junior High School. In 1986 Kathleen moved to CMR where she
developed a choral program that eventually doubled in size and was recognized for its excellence at District, State, and All-Northwest Festivals. She was honored professionally in 1992 when she received the Dufresne Outstanding
Educator award and in 1997 when she was a finalist for Montana Teacher of the Year.
During her 35-year tenure in the Great Falls Public Schools, she did much to instill in her students a love of singing and the pursuit of excellence. As head of the choral music department at CMR, she groomed her students' voices to contribute to a total sound, insisting that solo voices should not be heard in isolation.
Known by her students as "Miss Mac", she also gave them opportunities to explore musical theater. Her years at CMR were highlighted by holiday Madrigal dinners and full-scale musicals in collaboration with the school's drama and stagecraft departments. The polished performances of some of Broadway's most memorable musicals were a treat that Great Falls' audiences will long remember.
After her retirement from teaching in 2000, Kathleen continued her involvement in choral music as director of the Great Falls Symphonic Choir and her church
choir at Peace Lutheran Church. Not surprisingly, many of her former students, when they heard that "Miss Mac" was back on a podium, made their way into those organizations so they could continue to sing under her direction.
Having more free time in her retirement, Kathleen was able to pursue some of her other passions, including quilting. Her move to Wolf Creek in 2003 connected her with other kindred quilting spirits. and soon informal quilting bees and quilting retreats were part of her routine. As with her musical groups, the individual pieces in each quilt were carefully selected and came together in perfect harmony. During her final months, she continued to create and present her masterpieces to family and friends.
Kathleen is survived by a brother, Fred (Kathy) Redenbaugh of Great Falls, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews in Great Falls, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In addition she leaves her two faithful dogs, Fannie and Gracie, her long-time friend and roommate Peggy Rossberg, and literally thousands of students and adults who were privileged to be under the direction of "Miss Mac".
A memorial service will be held at Central Assembly of God, 2001 Central Avenue, Great Falls MT, Friday, August 23rd at 1:00pm.
Memorials are suggested to Wolf Creek Public School Piano Fund, American Cancer Society, and a Hospice of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen McIntosh
Toni Denny (Zwaryck)
August 23, 2013
Ms. Mac was a very influential teacher in my high school years. I will always remember my audition for choir when I was preparing to enter my 9th grade year. She gave me confidence and encouragement in my vocal ability and I will forever cherish her words to me.... "why have you never sang in choir before? You have a beautiful voice."
I was honored to be in her Concert Choir, Charlie's Girls and finally Chanteur my Junior and Senior years of high school. I also was lucky enough for her to choose me to be her assistant during my 11th grade year. Thank you so much for helping me embrace my love of music, you will be greatly missed :)
Melissa (Allison)Graves
August 20, 2013
Miss Mac you were my favorite. Rest in peace. You will be missed by so many in this community.
Bruce Kempf
August 16, 2013
Kathy, you will be missed, but remembered for the memories that I have while I was member of your choir at Peace church. I thank you for those wonderful memories. You were an inspiration to all of us...
" only one life, yes only one, now let me say, "Thy will be done"; and when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all"; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last."
Thank you Kathy Mac for what you you gave back to your family at Peace!
Bruce & Janet
Mark Wilkinson
August 12, 2013
Ms. Mac was one of a small handful of teachers I had in Great Falls Public Schools who I remember many lessons from to this day. As a student at Meadowlark Elementary, I remember thinking how great it would be if I could get into the West Junior High Concert Choir, when they toured around to the elementary schools. Her ability to assemble a program that would be entertaining, beautiful, and inspiring is really unmatched in all the choirs I have been in through the years. She was always able to strike a great balance between caring about us as students, but also commanding our respect -- I know have more of an idea how difficult that is. She always made me believe I was way more awesome than I am. The world has lost a great educator -- but she leaves a legacy that more than fills the spot she left.
Derek Brown
August 11, 2013
Ms. Mac, thank you for your inspiration and musical guidance throughout my high school years and after. Upon hearing of your passing, I felt as though this was the day Don McLean was singing about in the song "American Pie". It is hard to put into words the impact your teachings have made in my life, but music has been and will continue to be one of my greatest joys. Thank you for bringing out the best music and teamwork in all of us, and I wish you well in the next stage of your journey. You will be missed by many... I'll continue to mean what I sing and keep the pocket watch spinning until we meet again.
Karen Schultz
August 11, 2013
Kathy was my dear friend for over 65 years. She was a wonderful lady. I have so many memories of growing up with her to keep in my heart. I loved her and will miss her.
A wonderful last visit with Miss Mac in WolfCreek with my dear friend Sarah Mart
Justin Fatz
August 10, 2013
My heart is heavy but full, Thank You Miss Mac for believing in me and giving me the gift of music. You will never be forgotten and will always be LOVED. What a Legacy you leave behind in students, friends and musicians everywhere. I love you.
Karen Wraalstad Robbins
August 10, 2013
I love reading all the remembrances of Ms. M. I will always remember our "Triple Trio" at West Junior High, how the students worked so hard to get her to smile at us, how we loved singing for her. It is amazing to think of all her students who became musicians and teachers, including me. Peggy, Mary Moore, all the people who love her, I am crying with you. God bless the memory of Ms. M., she will never be forgotten.
August 10, 2013
I was in her 7th grade music class of '64, nearly sunk her career in 9th grade, and heard about it from her for 40+ years! She was a great inspiration. May the Lord bless her memory...Mark J Haines
Nichole Correa
August 9, 2013
R.I.P Ms. Mac, You were a true inspiration for me as well as so many others. Heaven is very lucky to have you. You will never be forgotten.
Peggy, may you receive comfort in the days to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
All my love,
Nichole (Kincer) Correa "1992"
Shelia Stone
August 9, 2013
Peggy, Just wanted to send condolences for my Mom, Ethel Ferree, she was very sad to hear of Kathy's passing. We just lost my Dad July 13th, this year. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rachel (Stillwell) Guernsey
August 9, 2013
My guess is there aren't too many teachers around who inspire their students so much that they all get together to make a quilt for her! Miss Mac you will be missed! All the other choirs and directors are held up to your standard. Here's hoping we can all sing "Still, still, still" for you one more time!
Katie Conner Bennett
August 9, 2013
Every day when I sing to my kids, or hear a song on the radio that "feeds my soul" as she used to say, or give a lecture in class and think about my breath support, Miss Mac is with me. I feel so grateful for the many years I spent in her classroom and for everything that she taught me.
Jennifer Simon-Becker
August 9, 2013
I want to thank you Peggy! When you were teaching me in 8th grade (guitars at the time) you suggested I take choir in high school. I did and having Miss Mac made a big difference in my life. I remember her saying "sing it like you mean it!" She wanted us to sound like one and feel the meaning in the music. We sang from our souls and it was an experience that bonded all of us in the group. She taught us that each person was important, to have faith in each other, and working together as a group makes us all better.
Chanteur trip to Gonzaga
Lindsey Mills-Haney
August 8, 2013
Being under her guidance, we were able to reach those heavenly moments where you hit those goose-bump notes. When everyone is in perfect harmony. Forever Thankful..
Steven Johnson
August 8, 2013
The last song I remember singing under Miss Mac's direction was Its so hard to say goodbye to yesterday by Boys II Men we sang it at our graduation in 1992. These words have never been more true. You will be missed. I love you. God bless and god speed on this new journey.
Russell Ayers 1990
Jennie Goff
August 8, 2013
Miss Mac taught her students so much more than music. She was excellently skilled as a director, I have sung under no better, but where she really shined was how she taught us to love each other. We held hands before a performance, went on tours, retreats, parties at her home. Miss Mac taught me more than any teacher ever did, and was very influential in shaping who I am today. You will be missed by so many.
Scott Anderson
August 8, 2013
Mrs.Mac was such a bright light in so many of our lives. She taught us what dedication and practice could bring. I remember when she pinned a yellow rose on us seniors at our last performance before graduation there was a smile on her face that you knew she was proud of you. May the road rise to meet you may the wind be at your back... We will never forget you.
Cari Karns
August 8, 2013
I am so profoundly saddened to hear of Kathy's passing and deeply sorry for all who knew and loved her. Her legacy is the powerful impact she had on so many young lives (and some older lives too.) I know so many of her former students think of her as our high school savior, instilling both a work ethic and a confidence many of us have parlayed into success over the rest of our lives. She showed us a potential most of us never dared dreamed about. There was never a doubt during my high school years that she was the most caring of my teachers and the most interested in my welfare. She was certainly my favorite among my many beloved teachers. Hers was the A I was proudest to accomplish, maybe because it didn't come as easily as some of my academic coursework. I feel especially blessed to have had her as a teacher at so many points of my life, first at West Junior High, then all 3 years at CMR, and then again for Symphonic Choir. Hugs and kisses to all who mourn her loss.
Julie Rowse
August 8, 2013
Peggy and the McIntosh family, my sincerest condolences to you all. Miss Mac continues to influence me each time I teach piano lessons, perform in church, and teach in my own classroom. I'm pretty sure I would not have become a teacher if not for her example. I can't wait to sing in her heavenly choir. "May God hold you in the palm of his hand."
August 8, 2013
In her first 15 years at West Jr. High Kathy and I shared music education and programs, jokes, and close friendship. I was always impressed with the respect and appreciation the students had for her. She was a devoted, creative, and good humored teacher and person. It was my great privilege to know her. My condolence to Peggy and her family.
Harry Torgerson
Columbia Falls, MT
Monica Rudio
August 8, 2013
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kathy MacIntosh. In the 9th grade she instilled a love of choral music in me and it has given me joy and happiness ever since. She was a master director, an impactful teacher, and friend. RIP ~Still,Still,Still
Jennifer Almond - Losing
August 8, 2013
My heart hurts. The Lord brought Miss Mac into my life and I am so grateful to be able to share a love of music and Christ with her. I never really knew what music was about until I sat in Miss Mac's class. My understanding and need for music came from the hours I spent under her care. She was the most amazing and inspiring teacher in so many ways for me. Peggy you are loved and I am so happy that I am able to know you. Thank you for being her very best friend. Love you so!!
Sheila Ekegren
August 8, 2013
Miss Mac was such a great music teacher. I loved music, but she made me love it even more. She will be missed very much!!! RIP Miss Mac!
Patricia Rosenleaf
August 8, 2013
Dear Peggy and Kathy's friends and family, I just know that Kathy is getting the whole place organized, and when I get there, I'm hoping she'll let me sing with the group. She may be quilting queen bee too. My condolences to you and to all who ever met and came under the tutelage of "Miss Mac." A ruby among women, she was.
Emily Allen-Burgess
August 8, 2013
Oh, Miss Mac!! You brought out a love of singing in me that I didn't even know I had! You greatly influenced my high school experience, and forever left me unsatisfied in any other choir I participated in after high school! Nobody could live up to you. You were a teacher that they make movies about, one that commands respect just by being who you were. Much love to you and comfort to those you left behind. Your legacy will live on forever.
Emily Norton
August 8, 2013
I am so profoundly grateful to have known Ms. Mac as well as I did. Her influence is lasting. I was lucky to sing with her in high school and in Symphonic Choir. Being in her choirs was being part of her joy and wonderful energy. What a gift! May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Until we meet again, sweet friend.
Russell Ayres, 1986-87
Stephanie Dietz
August 8, 2013
Wishing Miss Mac peace and light on the other side. Also sending wishes for comfort to Peggy. Miss Mac raised the bar for excellence in our choirs at CMR through hard work and her vigorous rehearsals, while still keeping the experience enjoyable. 25 years later, I am still proud of our performances under her direction. Godspeed, Miss Mac.
Brent Meisinger
August 8, 2013
My sympathies go out to Kathy's family (that includes Peggy). Thank you for sharing her with us because, as you may know, we students considered her "ours" while singing under her direction and for these many years after. She touched, helped, and mentored so many in a VERY personal way that impacted our course in life in addition to the musical impacts she made upon us. I will be forever grateful. From the Irish blessing she had her students sing each year, Kathy, "May God hold you in the palm of his hand." We love you.
Brandy Florence
August 8, 2013
Ms. Mac was an inspiration to us all. She made everyone of us want to become the best we could be. I am so lucky that she saw the potential in me to let me be part of an amazing program like Chanteur and Russell Ayres. I know that her legacy will continue. The choir is heaven sounds more amazing every day that she is there!
Dawnn Walters
August 8, 2013
Thank you Miss Mac for the year you gave me. You made moving to a new school my senior year bearable, helped me to find my worth. You will be deeply missed.
August 8, 2013
YOU WERE SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO SO MANY....YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY THOSE YOU TOUCHED AND THOSE WHO DIDN'T GET THAT GREAT OPPORTUNTIY YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. RIP
JAMIE VOYLES (DUNBRASKY)
Janet Grimes-McDonald
August 8, 2013
Kathy Mac left her mark on the community of Great Falls with her love for music.
I have great memories of her directing Camp Fire Girls Camp at Salmon Lake and as my choral director at West Junior High. She was a fun and caring person!
F. Ray Ruffatto
August 8, 2013
In memory of Miss Mac - one of the most influential teachers I had the privilege of learning from. The perfect balance of discipline, compassion, very hard work, and fun. She will be missed by many. Wishing God's blessings on Ms. Rossberg and Miss Mac's family. Heaven's Choir best get ready to "show up and shape up", cuz there's a new sheriff in town...
Rhonda Grainger (Thorp)
August 8, 2013
What a beautiful, inspiring legacy she has left behind in all the lives she has touched; mine being one<3 I will always remember her with a loving fondness.
Don Scott
August 8, 2013
One more comment to Ms. Rossberg: terribly sorry for your loss. I remember the close relationship the two of you had when I knew you way back in the mid-80s and can only imagine how that deepened over these many years. With greatest sympathy..
Michelle Kincer
August 8, 2013
Thank you so much for helping me find the best part of myself. Your caring will always have a place in my heart. May the road rise up to meet you...
Shonna Furman
August 8, 2013
Thank you Miss Mac for the love of all music I have if there was no music in life then it would be boring.
Don Scott
August 8, 2013
Gone too soon but called to a far greater place. You will always be remembered as a mentor, a friend, and a role model.
Jasmine
August 8, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Kathleen McIntosh. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of great sorrow.
jeremi higgins
August 8, 2013
Thank you miss mac for being you, the best teacher, the best leader we will miss you and love you.
MERRY SMITH
August 7, 2013
I remember you like it was yesterday, even though its been 30 years. Always beautiful. Always a cheerful smile. Always a caring hand. Always an eager ear. God speed Ms. Mac
Delene Kaurin/Lynes
August 7, 2013
Mrs. Mac was the reason I tried out for choir at Concordia College & had a wonderful experience there. She was loving to everyone; no matter what their ability. I was lucky enough to have her through Jr high & High school & choir was the class that felt like a family& grounded me.
Jamie Moyer
August 7, 2013
She was a good teacher from CMR
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
Make a Donation
in Kathleen McIntosh's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Kathleen McIntosh
How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kathleen McIntosh's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
