LANE, Katherine

Katherine Lindholm Lane was a gift to all who crossed her path. Vibrant, generous, energetic, and compassionate, Kathy died Jan. 24, 2004, of cancer. She was 48. Born in Lansing, Michigan, Feb. 10, 1955, she was the oldest of Norma and Martin Lindholm's four children. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School (1973) and Eastern Michigan University (1978). She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree at Arizona State University (1983). An assistant professor of dance education at ASU, Kathy was one of the first three students admitted to ASU's new graduate program in 1980. As teacher and performer, she shared her passion for movement and music with thousands of people around the world. A caring teacher who set high standards, Kathy inspired, encouraged, and nurtured. In May, 2003, she was honored to be named one of two teachers of the year at ASU's college of fine arts. A student recently thanked her for supplying her with class materials she couldn't afford. Eight years ago, Kathy established the Discover Dance program in which local children are taught movement by ASU students. She brought joy, grace, and humor to performances she danced with the A. Ludwig Dance Co. and the Desert Dance Theatre. She choreographed works for herself and others, including 10 years as choreographer for Grand Canyon University's theater productions. But Kathy's greatest love was her family. She met Dan Lane when she was 18 and a singer with Musical Youth International. Dan was a percussionist with the group. They married after they completed college and 18 months later, moved to Tempe for Kathy to attend ASU. Their sons, Patrick and Connor, were the light of her life. She created a welcoming home and maintained loving ties with family by making regular trips back to Michigan. A whiz at Scrabble (she learned at the knee of her Grampa Rafuse), she relished mysteries, movies, travel, and good food. Kathy's final gifts continue to hearten us. In the three months after her illness was diagnosed, a community of friends, coworkers, and family responded with great kindness. They wrapped Kathy and "her boys" in the warmest of love, preparing delicious meals and helping with innumerable tasks. Friendships were forged, bonds were strengthened. And her death, like her life, was full of love. Dan extends deep gratitude to the members of this special community for bringing such goodness to a difficult time. Kathy's survivors include her mother, Norma Lindholm; sisters, Patricia Allen and Peggy (John) Montie; brother, Richard (Mary) Lindholm, and eight nieces and nephews. A scholarship fund has been established: "The ASU Foundation" (memo line: Katherine Lindholm Lane Scholarship in Dance Education), Herberger College of Fine Arts Development Office, Arizona State University, PO Box 872102, Tempe, AZ 85287- 2102. Published in the Arizona Republic on 2/1/2004.