Kathleen Ann Thomas

Miss Kathy was my dance teacher way, way back in the 70s. Laureen, Beth, Ginny and I were of an age and all took dance together for Miss Kathy - ballet, jazz, and modern. She pushed us and she was strict with us, and we adored her; we would have done anything for her. I learned so much from her about alignment and technique and kinetics.

Fast forward 20 years and I take up figure skating in my mid 30s. I find myself remembering so many things she taught me - so valuable- including her "ponytail line". You reach upward from the ponytail spot on your head and your whole body lines up. She is so much a part of my skating - even 30 years after I started - that everyone I skate with knows about her. I'll be about to step into a move and I'll touch the ponytail spot on my head, and my coach says "Oh, Miss Kathy. Good." I think of her often and I wish I had reconnected with her in time to say thank you.

I've been skating so long that the children I started with are now bringing their children to the rink to learn. I heard one of them say "Stand up - reach for your ponytail!"

Miss Kathy will live forever.

I would like to offer my condolences the family of Kathy Thomas. I was introduced to her through a cast member of one of her productions when the show (The Mermaid Theatre's Cole; An Entertainment Based on the Words and Music of Cole Porter) needed a replacement two weeks before opening.

Kathy was such an important part of my high school experience. She was my typing & business teacher but she became so much more than that for a few years after high school when I worked for her in KT Productions. She taught me so much, not only about stage crew & performances but about being a kind human being. Some of my favorite memories of that time in my life are because of her. She showed me that if you want it bad enough you will get it. We lost touch unfortunately but her mark on my life will always remain. Thank you Kathy for giving a young kid a chance to explore the dramatic world if only for a little while. Sending love to the entire family. I know she loved you all so much.

I was very sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. I've known her since high school and had a distant connection to her via her cousin Barbara. I know how close she was to her family and what a loss it is for you. My thoughts and condolences are with you.