KATE KOLCHIN Obituary

KOLCHIN--Kate. Age 92, on June 25, 2013. Born Kate Weil in New York City in 1920, she married Ellis Kolchin, a mathematician at Columbia University, in 1940; they were a devoted couple until his death in 1991. Kate was a graduate of The Walden School, New York University, and Columbia University Teachers' College, where she specialized in early childhood education. She taught at schools including Reece and Calhoun before becoming a director of Head Start programs at two New York City centers and an Educational Consultant at the New York City Department of Health, working on licensing standards and regulations for the city's day care centers. After her retirement in 1985, she was an Adjunct Assistant Professor at City College, supervising student teachers. She devoted herself to advocacy for children as an NGO representative to UNICEF, and as a member of OMEP (World Organization for Early Childhood Education), the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Citizens Committee for Children, and the Women's City Club. In recent years, she was active in the Morningside Village community organization. She is survived by her son Peter of Newark, DE, daughter Ellen Hardy of Prairie Village, KS, two grandsons, and a host of relatives, friends, and admirers, who will deeply miss her warmth, generosity, and engagement with life. A memorial will be held at a later date.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for KATE KOLCHIN

9 Entries

Alexander Levin

July 29, 2013

I first met Kate in Russia in 1989 when she and Ellis visited an International mathematical conference in Novosibirsk. I will never forget our conversations in Novosibirsk and later in Moscow; I have learned so much from these two wonderful people. After moving to the United States in 1993, I joined the Kolchin seminar that met once a month on Saturdays. Every time I drove from Washington to KSDA I looked forward to the time when all the seminar participants would come to the Kate's place after the seminar meetings. Kate was an incredible hostess, she was the center of the party and it was she who made these get-togethers unforgettable. Both me and my wife Tanya will always remember and treasure Kate's hospitality and friendship. We are sending our deepest condolences to Peter and Ellen and all the family.

Michèle Loday

July 26, 2013

I had only twice the chance of participating to the KSDA seminar and post-seminar. So, I met Kate only twice but I keep her in my mind like a long last friend.
A few hours before the sad news arrived I was remembering with friends, Kate's parties, the good time I had there and the long conversations we had, especially on the education of girls in developing countries. I am deeply sad and want to present my sympathy to all of her relatives and close friends.

Claude Mitschi

July 26, 2013

I feel very lucky and privileged to have attended Kate's legendary and unforgettable after-KSDA parties on several occasions. The first time was shortly after Ellis Kolchin's death, and nevertheless, Kate and her daughter welcomed us with smiles and open arms, wanting us to enjoy her place and not to mourn. I remember another time when a few of us were singing late that evening. I present my deepest sympathy to Ellen and Peter, and to the KSDA colleagues.

Yoon Jae Lee

July 23, 2013

Kate was also a lover of classical music and was very supportive of musicians in my orchestra, Ensemble 212. I will always remember the good company I had with her at several of the parties she hosted at her place. My condolences to her friends and family.

Anne Duval

July 23, 2013

I'll always remember the feast at Kate's home after a lecture at KSDA. She was so friendly and interested in people from every country. I'm very sad and express my condoleances to all her family (including KSDA).

Jerry Ianni

July 22, 2013

Kate demonstrated a natural capacity for hospitality over the years through hosting several dinners and other events for participants of the Seminar. I appreciated her efforts greatly. She was also a thoughtful and caring humanitarian.

Edna Ranck

July 20, 2013

As an early childhood education alumna of Teachers College and a firm believer in the role of the United Nations in the lives of young children, I met Kate in later years. I too will remember the meetings of friends and colleagues at what I called her "perfect New York City apartment." Her legacy will last through the hearts and minds of her friends and the lives of young children enriched by her contributions.

July 8, 2013

For the last 15 years or so, Kate had been a strong supporter of the Kolchin Seminar in Differential Algebra (KSDA), and had welcomed many of its regular attendees and speaker guests to her home. While we no longer can enjoy her meticulously prepared feasts, we will always remember her hospitality, generosity, loving friendship and encouragement.

William Sit

John Boylan

July 1, 2013

Kate's kindness, generosity, and hospitality, her lively intellect, and her wide-ranging interests were very engaging, and I'm among the many who will miss her. My sincere condolences to Peter and Ellen and all the family.

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