With deep sadness, we share the passing of Catherine Isherwood Kinkade, age 85, of Montclair. She will be dearly missed by her family, her many friends, and the countless students whose lives she touched.
Born and raised in Westfield, Massachusetts, Catherine graduated with honors from Boston University in 1962 and continued graduate studies at Yale and Fordham Universities. A gifted landscape painter working in oil, mixed media, monotype, and pastel, she earned the distinction of Master Pastelist from the Pastel Society of America. Her work appears in private and public collections both nationally and internationally.
Teaching was one of Catherine's greatest joys. She spent more than 40 years on the faculty of the Montclair Art Museum, most recently leading plein air classes. She loved being outdoors with her students, and many stayed with her for years, drawn to her guidance, talent, and warmth.
Catherine will be remembered for her unwavering optimism. She saw possibilities where others saw obstacles and encouraged those around her to stretch, experiment, and believe in their work. When not painting, she could often be found in her garden—her sanctuary—tending flowers with the same care and patience she offered her art and her relationships.
She treasured her family above all. Catherine is survived by her husband of 63 years, Merwin; her sons, Christopher (Danielle) and Flint (Paige); and four beloved grandchildren, Hayden, Meredith, Cassidy, and Alice.
A celebration of Catherine's life is being planned, along with a summer art opening at Studio Montclair in her honor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New Jersey Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
Born and raised in Westfield, Massachusetts, Catherine graduated with honors from Boston University in 1962 and continued graduate studies at Yale and Fordham Universities. A gifted landscape painter working in oil, mixed media, monotype, and pastel, she earned the distinction of Master Pastelist from the Pastel Society of America. Her work appears in private and public collections both nationally and internationally.
Teaching was one of Catherine's greatest joys. She spent more than 40 years on the faculty of the Montclair Art Museum, most recently leading plein air classes. She loved being outdoors with her students, and many stayed with her for years, drawn to her guidance, talent, and warmth.
Catherine will be remembered for her unwavering optimism. She saw possibilities where others saw obstacles and encouraged those around her to stretch, experiment, and believe in their work. When not painting, she could often be found in her garden—her sanctuary—tending flowers with the same care and patience she offered her art and her relationships.
She treasured her family above all. Catherine is survived by her husband of 63 years, Merwin; her sons, Christopher (Danielle) and Flint (Paige); and four beloved grandchildren, Hayden, Meredith, Cassidy, and Alice.
A celebration of Catherine's life is being planned, along with a summer art opening at Studio Montclair in her honor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New Jersey Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catherine Isherwood Kinkade, please visit our flower store.
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