REMEMBERING KATIE DOYLE |
CLASS OF 2002 |
tribute |
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Katie Doyle on February 28, 2009. For four and a half years, Katie battled a malignant brain tumor with tremendous courage, tenacity, optimism and spirit. Katie lived joyously and with boisterous enthusiasm, finding much in life to celebrate and cherish. In her time at Mount Holyokeas a double major in Theater and English, a star actor in One Flea Spare, a coxswain, a craftswoman extraordinaire, a tap and ballet dancer, an aesthete of Shakespeare and South Park, a hoarder of M&C's, an 'inadvertent' dish-sink sprayer, a connoisseur of poop jokes and fart reenactments, and an ardent user of the 'f-word'Katie made an impact. She fell easily into uncontrollable fits of 'need-to-pee' laughter, especially in her senior English seminars, while assisting in the Rooke Theater scene shop, and at inopportune moments on the PVTA. Katie had presence, and her appearance and demeanor were a reflection of her attitude toward life, an attitude both earnest and playful. Katie wore bright colors, usually many at the same time, and frequently adorned herself in glitter, sequins, a tutu, or a tiara. She had beautiful, extraordinarily big, spiraling blonde hair. Beginning at Mount Holyoke, and continuing through her MCT theater tour of the Midwest after commencement, her subsequent move to Los Angeles to pursue acting, and her return home to Florida, Katie increasingly dedicated herself to the exploration of her religious heritage through her study of Reform Judaism. Katie prayed for a better understanding of tikkun olam, the notion that through good deeds and an acceptance of broader responsibility, each of us can discover and embrace our unique purpose, and in so doing work together to repair the world. Katie was a seeker who at times struggled to define her own path. She was demanding of herself and of others, and believed that we all had the potential to be more open and compassionate. But Katie also had an exceptional gift for loving others, for seeing most clearly our best possible selves and nurturing these better versions into being. She viewed the sometimes dismal reality of the world head on, with honesty, intelligence, and self-awareness, and embraced the truth of things with an abundance of grace and optimism. Katie's abounding hopefulness, free of illusion or self-deception, was a remarkable achievement of spirit and an expression of immense courage. Holding fast to the belief that things get better by doing, Katie was committed to her Power of One campaign, collecting and donating non-perishables to a local food bank, distributing meal bags to those less fortunate, and motivating a larger network of supporters to become similarly active in their own communities. In her d'var Torah, composed for the occasion of her second bat mitzvah this past December, Katie wrote: "I've discovered that we each have the power to make a difference in the lives of other people in small ways. I believe that the power of one when exercised by many can change our lives and even the world . . . I collect these extra foods and donate them to our local food banks. I've urged my family and friends to do likewise. I am one person, doing something small and helping many. Showing a little heart goes a long way, whether it's sending a card or note of condolence, congratulations or cheer; calling a friend going through a rough time. And never underestimate the raw power of a hug." For anyone looking to honor Katie's memory, we would encourage you to start a Power of One campaign in your community or donate to your local food bank. |
This tribute was written by Mariko Kikawa, Malea Jochim, Kate Fitzpatrick, and Laura Devaney. To share your remembrances and photos of Katie, email akpeters AT mtholyoke DOT edu. |
Katie T. Doyle December 29, 1979 - February 28, 2009 |
