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Kathryn DePue Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn DePue
Paul Richardson
January 8, 2023
I graduated from GLHS in 1961. It seems long ago now but some memories are well remembered.
As I live in Black Forest just north of Colorado Springs I missed her death. While it is late I wanted to add my own experience with her. she was among the best teachers I had in High School, in fact I would rank her tied for first with Don Smith (Chemistry and Physics).
Ms Depeu was an outstanding teacher combining encyclopedic knowledge of her subject (I took two years of Latin from her) but also great passion for helping us understand not just the language but the history that when with it.
Her Latin Club was extremely popular and helped reinforce her commitment to student learning with fun. I remember the time she took some of us to Ann Arbor for the National Junior Classical League summer get together. Got to meet kids from around the company and experience the huge Michigan campus (earned my MSE(EE) there in 1970 while working full time for General Motors. We also visited Michigan State programs (earned BSEE there).
The attendees to the national meeting were featured in a front page pic on the front page of the Detroit Free Press. The pic was taken on the steps of Hill Auditorium in our "togas" (bed sheets).
I also enjoyed working with her on the yearbook staff.
Paul Richardson
Mary Jo Thayer
October 23, 2020
Remembering your mom on this Anniversary of her passing. I have honored her by including a vignette of Mrs. DePue in my novel, “Close to the Soul,” which will be published by Full Quiver Publications and available on Amazon in May of 2021. God bless her and God bless your family.
November 17, 2012
Kay Douma Depue was my teacher throughout high school, for two years of Latin and two years of Journalism. I enjoyed her so much and remember many of the life lessons she taught as well. Carolyn Kelsey Harvey GLHS '55.
Linda Wiseman-Schenk
November 2, 2012
The academic world is less full since Mrs. DePue has left it. Our deep sorrow at her passing leaves our condolences for the family, friends, and other past students. She has remained a forever mentor for excellence in speaking, writing, and proper conduct. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Kay Walker
November 1, 2012
On this All Saints Day, another former GLHS teacher let me know that we lost a saint in the teaching profession. Blessed to have Magistra Kay DePue as my Latin instructor from 1969-72, I had always wanted to be a teacher, but she was an inspiration to me in ways that words cannot express. Like my classmate Tom mentioned in an earlier tribute on this page, I have never forgotten the first paragraph of Caesar's Gallic Wars. Latin didn't just live; it THRIVED at the address, "Kay DePue, Room 52," complete with a door draped in black on the Ides of March and a sunlit replica of Winged Victory standing guard in the back corner. My unforgettable memories of Magistra's demanding but enjoyable classes, Latin Club, and Junior Classical League events are dear to my heart. I wonder if my derivatives notebook is tucked away in a box someplace...
Like my mentor, I, too, became a Hope College alumna(she took her Latin III class on a field trip there my junior year). Graduating with a minor in Latin, I was fortunate to get a teaching job in Traverse City where the Latin program had retired along with the instructor. Although never teaching Latin itself on a daily basis, I used it in my English classes regularly and taught some exploratory Latin in Upward Bound. I am glad that she knew I became--and loved being--a teacher, and she knew that she was responsible for leading me onto that path.
In the parking lot behind her classroom, I remember seeing a blue spherical triangle National Education Association decal on her lemon meringue-colored Mustang with the LATIN custom license plate, thinking it was just a cool-looking sticker. Magistra was proof that involvement in the union and excellence in teaching could go hand in hand, and unbeknownst to her, she inspired me once again as I led my local association and now work for MEA/NEA.
So many times since I last saw her--way too many years ago at her retirement dinner--I have thought of her fondly and thought, "I need to get in touch with Mrs. DePue." I never did, and it breaks my heart. I do take comfort knowing that she was aware of the significant impact she had in my life.
To Magistra's family and friends, may your memories of the amazing Kay DePue make you laugh and smile, may you take comfort in the arms and hearts of the many who are there for you during these difficult times, and may you be proud that you knew this amazing woman who impacted countless lives for the better.
Kay Moores Walker
Grnad Ledge High School '72 Hope College '76
Traverse City, MI
Mary Jo Thayer
October 30, 2012
Sincere condolences to the DePue family. I was a lucky Latin student at Grand Ledge High School from 1974-1977. I remember Mrs. DePue's enthusiasm for the language of Latin, and I was always proud to be a member of the largest Latin Club JCL in the state! I remember well my senior year, where upper Latin students were treated like collegiate co-eds and invited to Mrs. DePue's home. Other favorite memories include the annual slave auctions, the famous Roman banquets, and commemorating the Ides of March. May the angels welcome Mrs. DePue to her heavenly home, and may the family be blessed by memories shared. Sincerely, Mary Jo (Irish) Thayer
Deborah Byers-Benoit
October 30, 2012
At 62 years old some of my favorite memories are of Grand Ledge High School, and Latin classs with Mrs. Depue. Oh.....the Toga parties we had, she delighted in dressing up for them. To this day I often tell my grandchildren about how I can figure out the meaning of words from my knowledge of Latin words. God Bless you Mrs. Depue, you certainly left your footprint in this world
Alyce MacDougall Vollmar
October 30, 2012
Because of her love of, and dedication to, teaching and the Lingua Latina, she gave me something priceless; something that has served me well and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Thank you, Mrs. DePue.
October 30, 2012
If there was no Latin Club in heaven, there is now. She was a dedicated, passionate, exacting and formidable teacher who expected the best from herself and her students. And I still know enough Latin to decipher considerable mysteries in our funny English language. Thank you for caring so much, Mrs. DePue. ~ Jean Catto Hildreth, '68
Barbara Medina
October 29, 2012
Mrs. Depue was the one teacher that helped me the most... She tried soo hard to make me a better student. I had her in Jr. High( 8-8's) and then for Latin and journalism and English. I remember how nice she always looked each day- everything always matching- she was a wonderful teacher and I enjoyed running in to her in latter years and catching up. Prayers to her family. Barbara( Wight) Medina 1966
Ann Wagner
October 29, 2012
To Dan and Mark & family,
Your mom and grandmother was truly a very special lady. She was a beloved teacher and friend. She made the difficult task of learning Latin fun and Latin club the best. Her passion was contagious. It was always wonderful to see her as she remembered all her students. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish all your wonderful memories. She is in heaven and reunited with your dad. Peace be with you.
Sincerely, Ann Corey Wagner
Kent Cudney
October 29, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the family. Kay was more than just my 9th grade English teacher and Latin III teacher my senior year. She was a caring, nurturing mentor who left an indelible print on all those whose lives she touched. God Bless you, rest in peace.
Nina Heath
October 29, 2012
Rest in Peace, Mrs. DePue!!
Nina Heath, Class of 1972
October 29, 2012
I am sorry to hear of Kay's passing, such a nice teacher and a great family. I always enjoyed her class.
Sharon Lukkarila class of 56
lukkarila
October 29, 2012
a great teacher,and a wonderful person, she will be missede
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