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KATHERINE MINTON Obituary
Who brought literacy and the spoken word to millions of New Yorkers and people across the country, died September 21 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. Loving wife of Robert Bessoir, devoted mother of James Bessoir, beloved daughter of Lynn Minton and Stuart Minton, and stepdaughter of Deborah Dutton Minton. Cherished sister of Tim Minton, Charlie Minton, Linda Saxl Minton and Lisa Loffredo Minton and aunt of Rachel, Jack, Alex, Gabby and Phillip. After attending Cornell University, she became part of the founding young editorial staff of Working Mother Magazine. Her co- workers became her lifelong friends. In 1990 she became the producer of literary programs at Symphony Space, in NYC. Partnering with the legendary artistic director Isaiah Sheffer, she produced Selected Shorts: A Celebration of the Short Story, which is performed live at Symphony Space and heard in over 100 cities across the United States on radio. She also took Selected Shorts on tour across the U.S., visiting Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, Washington, DC, Boston, and elsewhere. During her career at Symphony Space, Kathy created and produced the Thalia Book Club discussion series, presenting such distinguished authors as Salman Rushdie, Colum McCann, Toni Morrison, and others. With education director Madeline Cohen, she created and produced the Thalia Kids' Book Club, a similar series for children; the Thalia Kids' Book Club Camp; and the adult literacy series All Write. In recent years she produced Bloomsday on Broadway, an annual marathon James Joyce celebration created by Isaiah Sheffer. Always remaining behind the scenes, her dedication to and passion for her work was admired and appreciated by all who worked with her. Kathy was an avid walker who enjoyed exploring her city. She took inspiration from frequent visits to museums and galleries, and daily walks through Central Park. An unabashed foodie, Kathy would seek out restaurants and cafes across the five boroughs and beyond. Although a passionate New Yorker, Kathy loved spending time in San Francisco, London, and especially Paris. Kathy's mother, Lynn Minton, welcomes all to her home at 350 Central Park West, on Monday, September 26, 4 to 7pm; and Tuesday, September 27, 5 to 9pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Symphony Space, earmarked for the Thalia Kids Book Club Camp Scholarship Fund.
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Memories and Condolences
for KATHERINE MINTON
Sponsored by The Family.
Chris Fulton
March 1, 2024
Tonight I googled Kathy to see what she is up to after so many years of being disconnected with her, and I was quite shocked to hear of her passing eight years ago. Kathy and I were good friends in the 80s. She was the bestie of my partner at the time, Nancy Fasciano. With Nancy and sometimes by ourselves Kathy and I would visit galleries and museums. It was always a pleasure to see her and spend time in her company. She was absolutely one of my favorite people! So genuine, kind, engaging, enthusiastic, loyal and understanding, everything you would ever want from a friend. My condolences to her family and to all those she whose lives she enriched.
Lisa Taylor
September 19, 2023
I still think about Kathy every time I hear Selected Shorts or go to Arts & Letters Live in Dallas where we hosted SS.
Alberto Manguel
September 19, 2023
Not forgotten, dear Kathy.
Lisa Taylor
September 20, 2022
Thinking of Kathy every time I hear or read short stories.
Debra Ruder
September 19, 2020
That beautiful picture of Kathy brings me back to elementary school, where we first met. Kathy was small in stature, but her impact on friends, colleagues, and the literary world was obviously profound. Hard to believe it's been four years. We'll always cherish Kathy as a member of our high school class. Deep condolences to her family.
Lisa Taylor
September 19, 2020
I am so fortunate that I worked with Kathy. She was quite the inspiration.
Adilia Hormigo
October 22, 2016
I did not have the opportunity to meet Kathy when she was healthy but I had the privilege of catching of glimpse of the amazing woman, daughter, wife and mother and she will be remembered and celebrated.
Immy Humes
October 17, 2016
I am so deeply sorry to hear this sad sad news. My memories of Kathy mostly date to way back when we were - 13? and up for a few more years. Her sweetness and intelligence then are still vivid to me now. What a terrible loss. My condolences to all who loved her.
Jennifer Egan
October 15, 2016
What an enormous loss to the whole of literary New York. Kathy was a delight to work with, always. I will miss her so much.
Sophie Cabot Black
October 15, 2016
Kathy was an amazing woman, a quintessential New Yorker, and without question helped elevate the American short story
My thoughts are with her entire family; I am so glad to have known her (and to have known her for over 55 years no less!!)
She was taken much too soon. Again-- sad sad sad to hear this news-- our hearts are with you all--
marcus clinton
October 8, 2016
Kathy was a special person I hope I meet her again in our next lives
Marc Johnson
October 8, 2016
RE: my earlier entry - I found the LA Times mention of the event I recalled, Short-Story Celebration at Getty Museum
October 11, 1991: http://articles.latimes.com/1991-10-11/entertainment/ca-94_1_short-story
Marc Johnson
October 8, 2016
Terribly sorry to hear this news. I so fondly recall Kathy inviting and hosting me for a memorable trip to The Getty Villa in LA for what I believe was the first LA road version of Selected Shorts. The after-party was also notable, at Hal's Bar & Grill in Venice. The whole event was typical of Kathy's grace, style and taste. My sincere condolences to the Minton and Bessoir families.
Aimee Bender
September 30, 2016
I was so sad to hear this news. Kathy was a champion for writers all around the country, and working with her was always wonderful and uplifting. She will be very missed.
Michael Imperioli
September 30, 2016
kathy was a joy to collaborrate with and her passion for literature was infectious. she was a wise, welcoming and nurturing individual and i am lucky to have had the privilege of working with her.
Arthur Morey & Elissa Tognozzi
September 30, 2016
Kathy was unfailingly graceful--attentive, amused, alert. One always wished for more time. Her
work was extraordinary. She celebrated good stories, good writers, year after year after year. Symphony Space would never have been so splendid without her. New York will be poorer now. We miss her terribly. Many condolences to her family.
Rob Santeramo
September 29, 2016
Dear Bob,
I am so sad to hear about Kathy. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you, James and the family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do my friend.
Matthew Cody
September 28, 2016
For sixteen years Kathy has been an inspiration me. Her passion for books and for New York was joyous. Her warmth and support the people around her will be missed, but never forgotten. James and Bob, our hearts go out to you.
September 27, 2016
Dear James,
We share with you and your family in the loss of your mother. A mother is a most special person in our life. Your mother was a person who shared beauty and life through music, art and human caring. She will continue to be a bright light in your life as you remember the lessons learned. May you have a thankful and peaceful spirit as you live your life in a manner that would make your mother proud. With love, Poppy and Grandma Harland.
Roberta Silman
September 26, 2016
Dear Minton and Bessoir families,
Kathy was an extraordinary woman, reader, and champion of the American short story. With Isaiah she changed the face of American literature. I was honored to have her choose two of my stories for Selected Shorts and am terribly saddened to learn of her untimely death. We occasionally had an email exchange but I had no idea she was sick. I also didn't know she was a fellow Cornellian. We somehow never got there.
My sympathy to you all in this terrible time. May it be of some comfort to know that we writers will remember her with great affection and respect. she was a wonderful special presence and will be sorely missed.
Yours,
Rita Wolf
September 26, 2016
Thanks, Kathy for championing authors both known as as-yet-unknown for the Symphony Space stage. I learned so much about contemporary American writing from you. Thank you for the words.
Your friend Rita Wolf
Beata
September 26, 2016
Dear Bob,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Kathy this morning on WNYC. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Lauren Belski
September 26, 2016
I was an intern 9 years ago in the Literary Department and had the honor of working for Kathy. I loved the way she tilted her head and shook it side to side with a special sort of glint in her eye when she talked about certain books or authors that moved her, and how she could pluck a paperback from the crazily crammed shelves of the literary office. Also, I was and remain in awe of her work ethic. She never wasted a second! Her whole heart was in everything that she did. She was an inspiration. I feel lucky to have known her and to have had a small part in the wonderful work that she did.
Marya Pollack
September 26, 2016
We were heartbroken to stumble across Kathy's obit yesterday. She was a lovely kind and patient educator and welcomed our son into the Thalia Book Camp where he stayed from its first year until he aged out. Our deepest condolences.
Beth S.
September 26, 2016
Listening to Selected Shorts has always made me feel hopeful, placing me in a world where humor, cleverness, tragedy and longing belong to and connect all of us. I did not know Katherine, but wanted to share my appreciation for her work with her family, friends and colleagues. With sympathy and gratitude,
Adam HArvey
September 26, 2016
Kathy's generous and welcoming spirit was matched only by her boss, Isaiah. I feel very fortunate to have known her, and am horribly saddened to learn of her passing so shortly after his. Bye-bye, Kathy. You will be greatly missed.
Erin Kottke
September 26, 2016
So incredibly sorry to hear of this news. Kathy was a joy to work with and a champion of writers in all stages of their careers. She will be sorely missed by the publishing community. My thoughts go out to her family and the many people who cared about her.
Martin and Ruth Timins
September 26, 2016
We never met Katherine, unfortunately, but we knew her mother Lynn for many years through her connection with Parade magazine. Katherine looks like Lynn and she clearly was a wonderful and talented woman like her mom. So it is with great sadness that we learned of her passing. Our condolences go out to the Minton family.
Alex Sinclair
September 26, 2016
To know Kathy was to love her. Dear Bob and James, there really are no words that can express our shock and deep sadness. Kathy was one-of-a-kind -- sweet, brilliant, and funny -- a perfect complement to Isaiah; a wonderful mother and wife; and a literary inspiration. She was a staple of Milo's childhood and we can't conceive of the world, not to mention the Upper West Side, without her in it. Ken and I are send our thoughts and love to both of you and Kathy's family. We are so sorry for your loss, may her memory be a blessing.
Ken Krimstein
September 26, 2016
Alex and I feel so lucky to have gotten to know Kathy as the not only the inspired literary walker fan of the the city, but as the most wonderful mother of James and wife of Bob. The times Milo and James spent together were great -- and pick-ups and drop-offs were especially good as we got to know this family. Our thoughts and prayers and with all who knew and loved Kathy -- especially James and Bob.
Phoebe Lithgow
September 25, 2016
Dear Lynn, Kathy's siblings, Bob, James, thinking of you, and remembering my first boss and friend, who was always so energetic, enthusiastic, pragmatic and supportive, and had a twinkle in her eye for any talk of reading, experiences around the city, friends (quilting for others' special life events) and of course her son. I loved our few museum dates after I left Symphony Space with her blessings. I knew she would always be there, and she always will. She enriched our lives so much. Much love to you.
Mitchell Kaplan
September 25, 2016
My sadness is very great at this news. I first met Kathy when she came to the Miami Book Fair with Isaiah in the early 90's. Her warmth, humor and dedication to the written word burned so bright. I send my sympathies to her family.
Lisa Taylor
September 25, 2016
I was honored to have worked with Kathy when Selected Shorts first toured to the Dallas Museum of Art. She was a great spirit and will be missed dearly.
Harriet Causbie
September 25, 2016
As long as you love the one you lose,
You'll never lose the one you love.
Dorothy Langer
September 25, 2016
Dear Lynn, so very sorry for your loss. My Katherine's memory be a blessing. Dorothy Langer
Debbie Bradley Ruder
September 25, 2016
My heart goes out to Kathy's family and friends. Although we hadn't seen each other in years, I'll always think fondly of Kathy's bright spirit in elementary and high school and her prowess at climbing the rope to the ceiling in gym class, which almost none of us except Kathy could do. Fondly, Debbie
Phillip Richards
September 25, 2016
I saw Kathy each and every year for more than a decade as she brought Selected Shorts to the Getty in Los Angeles. I am always delighted by the themes she'd develop for the Selected Shorts tour. She will be deeply missed by all.
Jill Fenichell
September 25, 2016
I am so sorry to read of Kathy's passing. She was so amazing. We wnt to HS togetherand I always thought Kathy was incredibly, amazingly smart.
Bernadette Quigley
September 25, 2016
Such a loss. So very sad. Kathy had such a generosity of spirit, warmth and passion for literature and the spoken word...Feel truly blessed to have known and worked with her. I will always remember the first time I met Kathy, standing back stage and glowing with excitement as I made my exit after a particularly joyous reading on a Bloomsday celebration many moons ago before Isaiah Sheffer officially introduced us. We then went on to work together on numerous artistically-gratifying Selected Shorts and other Literary events....Feel truly blessed to have known and worked with Kathy and will hold her in my heart with so many beautiful memories. Sending much empathy, sympathy and love to her mom, son and husband and all of her colleagues at Symphony Space.
Alberto MANGUEL
September 25, 2016
She was guiding spirit and will be remembered by all readers who experienced her literate passion and friendship. I wouldn't be surprised if she were now organizing a Selected Shorts for readers in some other, better place.
Wendl Kornfeld
September 25, 2016
Dear Lynn,
Barry and I are very sorry for the loss of your daughter Kathy, a treasured gift to both her family as well as NYC lovers of literature. May all your memories be sweet.
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