Kathryn T. Hegeman, Ed. D., formerly of Eastport (Long Island), N.Y., died on August 1, 2018 at the Highland Hospital Hospice Unit in Rochester, N.Y. Kathryn and her surviving husband of 64 years, Andrew, had recently moved from Long Island to the Rochester Area to be near their daughter, Irene H. Richard, Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester, during their declining years.
Dr. Hegeman was 85. She was born to John and Marcella Vail in New York City during the height of the Great Depression in 1932. After graduating from St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parochial School, she attended the all-merit Hunter College in NYC.
In 1954, she married Andrew, who had just been commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. After a short assignment in Washington D.C., where Andrew attended the Naval Intelligence School, they moved to the West Coast for his 4 years on Active Duty. Kathryn and Andrew then returned to the East Coast, where they raised five children, all of whom became fine, accomplished adults. They were also blessed with five wonderful grandchildren who have been a great source of pride and joy.
Among her many non-family accomplishments, Kathryn managed (while engaged as a full time teacher) to attain her Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University Teacher’s College. She had always been keenly interested in the education of the “The Gifted and Talented” and the Social Skills and Moral Development of children, and during her writing career, authored a total of 26 books on those subjects.
Although she will be missed dearly, Kathryn had an enormous, positive impact on all those who had the joy of knowing her, as well as those who have and will benefit from her dedication to the education and well-being of children.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Maryknoll Sisters, Ascent of Safed, or a charity of your choice.
We are confident that Kathryn is at rest and that the Lord has
welcomed her to his banquet table.
I am the oldest of Kathryn’s children, and watched her life’s trajectory with awe. My Mom was a wonderful combination of intelligence, grace, cheerfulness and determination, whose legacy lives in the many lives her amazing kindness, energy, wisdom, and love touched. Rest in Peace, Mom.
Rest in peace Mom, you gave to others always and were the best grandmother ever. Remsenburg Speonk School was lucky to have you please those kids lives for 20+ years. We love you and miss you always “Dr. K”….love Bonnie, John, Shane, Luke and Terryn
Dear Andy and family,
It has been a pleasure to have met Kathryn. She had a mind of her own and made it a joy to come to work each day. She is already greatly missed in home 3. She will never been forgotten.
Kara
Rest in peace Aunt Kathryn. I will always remember you as a strong and beautiful woman.
I wish to extend to you and to the members of your family my sympathy.
I still have the card you and your wife sent me when I graduated from St Johns. It was great to have a person like her in my corner.
I worked with Kathryn at Remsenburg-Speonk School and have wonderful memories of our many conversations. She was an inspiration to me as a new teacher; she was a mentor and a good friend. I always appreciated her kindness, her drive, and her keen intellect. My sympathy to all of her family members. I will forever remember her with love in my heart.
Dianna Denham Schwarz ( “Deana Parks” )
I just found Kathryn’s obituary. It is with great sadness that I learn she died in August..
I taught with Kathryn in Southampton New York. It was an awesome experience being around someone so motivated and inspiring.
I credit Kathryn with encouraging me to travel To New Rochelle to attend graduate courses at Sarah Lawrence with her; complete the Masters Degree at the University of Long Island with her, and genuinely strive to be the best I could be.
She loved children, and education. All who were fortunate to know Kathryn were blessed..
My condolences to Andy and all of her children.
Dianna Denham Schwarz ( “Deana Parks” )
I just found Kathryn’s obituary. It is with great sadness that I learn she died in August..
Kathryn and I taught together in Southampton New York. It was an awesome experience being around someone so motivated and inspiring.
I credit Kathryn with encouraging me to travel To New Rochelle to attend graduate courses at Sarah Lawrence with her; complete the Masters Degree at the University of Long Island with her, and genuinely strive to be the best I could be.
She loved children, and education. All who were fortunate to know Kathryn were blessed..
My condolences to Andy and all of her children.