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Nancy Kotz Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Kotz
Sarah Puglisi
December 17, 2009
I wanted to write to you Steve and Karen because I don't think my mom can and we share a rather special connection.
Both your parents were a part of the oral traditions of my life, part of the fabric of friendship, concern, care of my parents lives. They met in Tenn. at school and my father always thought of your father as a dear, dear friend.One of his closest. Dad laughed with your Dad-I suspected was still a boy a bit with your Dad -and knew him as he started his family, and as he left the earth so early, too early.
Both my parents admired, loved and thought the world of your mom. What she did was decide to lift herself up from such a loss and raise her kids, above all as a rock for them, teaching, being a true exemplar for any of us.Boy , she was amazing.
My parents told many stories of their times together as young people, all through my years, and now that I've hit 50 I understand better why they held that so dear in their re-telling. It's a time in your life when you are learning to be-you are expanding, making lives.It is one of the most real times we live.We define "who we are" and what we are about then. And your mother and father did this in a way my parents admired and respected.
My mother has been helped immeasurably over the last few years by your mom checking in on her regularly ( I've enjoyed that care too by the way) , talking on the phone, coming out to see us 6 or so years past, it gave her connection and kindness that really was important as she faced a stroke and other things that aging brings. When she called down the other day to see why she hadn't heard- both of us knew that Nancy had probably just gotten too ill.A hard call for her to face. And Mom spent the evening so unusually in her interior spaces until finally I guess what she'd learned. People aren't made, I don't think any more, like that generation and I called my father-who is quite ill- to tell him the sad news.
Both of them send you their love.
Both of them would want you to know that among their closest, dearest, most admired friendships sat your parents. They were loved, they are remembered by the McIntoshes. Dad retold for me stories of Bob Kotz, one story of his frustration that his name was always said wrong, even before his getting his degree at tenn ( with his humor about that waiting another telling).
Your parents knew how to tell a good joke. Understood humor and our common humanity, knew how to shed seriousness a second and look around and get real. Nancy knew what mattered, her life in teaching was about making the world a better place.That is the bedrock of these 4 people. The thing I thought of her was her ability to fight for the profession of teaching in a time many were cowards and gave away the farm, I admired her clarity, wit and her insights. It's rare to find that in anyone. In her it looked easy.
She carried that with the greatest of grace.
I know you'll feel this loss all your days. I dread facing this time in my life. I'm so sorry that her illness cheated you out of more years, but I also know you must have the warmest memories. A mom like that will be there for you always. She's just inside your heart.
My mom sends her love and concern as well as her hopes that in all of you is instilled a piece of both of those parents, such good friends from times when they were setting out into their lives, having their kids, setting their courses. She is thinking of you sending healing thoughts and prayers and all of us want you to know how much is thought of your mom. We loved her dearly.
Sarah McIntosh Puglisi, daughter of Kenneth and Jean McIntosh
Oxnard, Ca
Cathy Cox Love
December 8, 2009
Steve and Karen,
So so many memories of your mother and her sweet way with all of her adopted children (Band Members). She was always so kind to me personally when I would visit your home. May God bless you both during this difficult time. Always cherish so many wonderful and special memories of your Mother. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
November 29, 2009
Steve and Karen - so sorry to hear about your mom and her brave battle. I sent her a note just a few days ago and am sorry she probably didn't get it. I cherished her friendship and the great visits we used to have. She was indeed a special woman and a 2nd momma to me during challenging middle and high school years. I will always remember her and that "teacher look" she would give us, when we deserved it. You and your families are in our prayers.
Phil Bridges
November 28, 2009
Steve and family,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. May your memories give you comfort at this time and in the days ahead. God Bless you and your family.
HHS classmate-Debbie McCloud
November 28, 2009
Steven and family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. HHS classmate-Linda (Cooper) Arms
sarah findlay philpy
November 27, 2009
what wonderful and heartwarming memories i have of "momma kotz". her kindness, wit, opinions and incredible cooking are things i remember with much fondness. she has left quite a legacy! my sincere sympathy to karen, carl, steve and the precious grandchildren. hugs to you.
Crystal Stanley
November 27, 2009
My thoughts are with you during this trying time. Mrs. Kotz was a teacher to me and I remember her as being a very kind and caring example.
Wayne Bledsoe
November 27, 2009
Nancy Kotz was one of the coolest people I've ever known. She was one of those rare people who challenged you to think deeper and to stand up for what you believed in. A brief encounter with her could make a lifelong impression. She also seemed like a real combination of a great heart blended with commonsense and a terrific sense of humor. She made everyone feel welcome and special in her home. I have no doubt that Steve, Karen and their kids carry on the many things that made Nancy special. I am so sorry to hear that she's gone and I am thinking of your family.
Anne Crumpton
November 26, 2009
Dear Steve and Karen,
My heart reaches out to touch yours and your children.
You all were such a part of our lives when we were all younger. Nancy was a very special woman. With you, I will miss her. I am hearing the organ triumphantly leading "For all the saints ..." and know she is singing loud and clear.
May the peace, love and light of All Being surround you now ~ and always.
Lisa Monroe Starbuck
November 26, 2009
Steve and Karen, So sorry to hear about your mother. I didn't know about her many accomplishments, but remember her fondly from visits to your home. God bless you and keep you.
CHRIS VANDERGRIFF
November 26, 2009
STEVE,
YOUR MOTHER WAS A GREAT LADY. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. I HAVE STARTED AN E-MAIL LIST TO TRY TO KEEP OUR CLASSMATES MORE CONNECTED. I HAVE SENT INFO ABOUT YOUR MOTHER TO THE ONES ON THE LIST. SEND ME OUR E-MAIL AND I WILL TRY TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED.
CV
November 26, 2009
My family and I will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers . God bless . Gus Paidousis and family
Dean Craig
November 25, 2009
Steve,
May God bless you with wonderful memories of the special times you shared with your mother, and may God's comforting arms hold you and your family during this time.
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