Kathleen Rees Klein, a longtime Rye resident, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2017.
Born in New York City on December 30, 1930, she was the daughter of Marion (Gilbert) and Herbert Rees.
A graduate of the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula in the Bronx, she went on to receive a BA in Art from the College of New Rochelle, an MA in Fine Arts & Fine Arts Education from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Administration, Policy & Urban Education from Fordham University.
While working first as an elementary school art teacher and then as an administrator at the New York City Board of Education, she also devoted a great deal of time volunteering for the Ladies of Charity of the Archdiocese of New York at St. Vincent’s Hospital. For over 40 years, she served as Art Director, designing brochures, invitations, annual reports, and some of the invitations to the Annual Cardinal’s Christmas Party.
In May of 2010, she was made a charter member of the St. Louise de Marillac Society of the Ladies of Charity.
Locally, she served as president of the Ladies of Charity, and chair of the Westchester Vicariate Spring Conference held at Dunwoodie. She also served on the Education Committee of Resurrection School, and was on the board of the Midland School PTO, serving as Title I Parent Committee Chairman.
Mrs. Klein served as president of her high school alumnae association and chairman of her fortieth reunion.
She was awarded the Ursula Laurus Citation from the College of New Rochelle for her volunteer service with the Alumnae Association, and the Certificate of Merit from the NYC Bicentennial Committee for her original design for the Ladies of Charity Bicentennial brochure.
After retiring in 1987, Mrs. Klein devoted her time to her first love, photography. Her work has been exhibited throughout Westchester County, and she has won a number of awards.
In 1992 Mrs. Klein joined the Woman’s Club of Rye, and was an active member. Her background in art was a natural for co-chairing, along with Melanie Ciraco, the Annual Beaux Arts Exhibit for 22 years. Monies raised from this exhibit help fund a scholarship presented annually to a graduating Rye High School senior who is pursuing the study of art in higher education. In 2001 both she and Mrs. Ciraco were named honorees.
In 2004, she received an award from the Federation of Women’s Clubs of Westchester for her “enthusiasm for the Beaux Arts,” and an award from Westchester County for her volunteer work at the Woman’s Club of Rye.
Mrs. Klein was predeceased by her husband William. She is survived by her sons, William Klein of Rye, and Dr. John (Marianne) Klein of East Hanover, N.J., her granddaughters, Maria and Gianna, and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Church of the Resurrection on August 12.
Donations in Kate Klein’s memory may be made to Academy of Mount St. Ursula, 330 Bedford Park Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458.
