Bertha Kathryn Eppley Forwood passed away at her home on Colora on April 17, 2012. Kathryn born in Carisle, Pennsylvania December 16, 1925. Always known as Kathryn or Kate, she was trained as a pianist, but her heart’s desire was only to become an instrumental band director. Since women at that time were not allowedContinue Reading
Bertha Kathryn Eppley Forwood passed away at her home on Colora on April 17, 2012.
Kathryn born in Carisle, Pennsylvania December 16, 1925. Always known as Kathryn or Kate, she was trained as a pianist, but her heart’s desire was only to become an instrumental band director. Since women at that time were not allowed to be band directors, toward that end, she took all the appropriate courses at West Chester State College. She actually was graduated with a degree in choral music. It should not be surprising that Forwood went into education because her great great great grandfather, Joseph Ritner, had been a pro-education governor of Pennsylvania from 1835 – 1839.
In 1947, she was hired as a choral director in Upper Chichester, a district that later became just Chichester. In 1948, she married William Forwood who had dubbed her Kitty, the name by which her students have known her. Encouraged by the local parents and supported by her husband, she began building an instrumental band. By 1954, the Chichester High School Band was a source of pride in the community.
Forwood retired from teaching after 22 years due to blindness, the result of a brain tumor. In the mid 1980’s, the Forwoods moved to Colora, Maryland to a horse farm. There she was active in the Nazarene Church just next door to her farm. In 1987 she was recruited to direct the Chichester Alumni Band which later became the Chichester Alumni Community Band.
Forwood is survived by her dear friends, Art Allen and Charlene Banks, a brother Robert Eppley, a niece and nephews as well as a host of former students and friends who have loved and adored her.
Services will be held at Rising Sun Church of the Nazarene, 2626 Jacob Tome Hwy, Colora, MD 21917 on Saturday April 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may call at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Mount Zion Cemetery in Allen, PA on Monday April 23 at 10:00 a.m..
Margie Wren Michener
left a message on April 26, 2012:
Just happened to check the Just Happened to check the Foard Obits, and found this one of an old friend and college friend. We did our student teaching in Kennett Square together. More fun on those rides in the morning from West Chester to Kennett. Kitty was always fun to be with. Graduated in 47. Have had several reunions, but don't recall seeing her then. Sounds as if she left many wonderful memories. Margie
Rita L. Smith
left a message on April 26, 2012:
We will all miss Ms. Forwood. She was the glue that held our band together with her dedication and love of music, which inspired all of us. She was very active in our Chi Community Band and lead many of our parades. She will be sorely missed and loved by so many. We will remember her always. May she rest in peace.
Andrea Rapposelli
left a message on April 25, 2012:
No one can measure how high or how wide this very special lady has touched so many lives with her love. Just a note Chichester Marching Band under the direction of Kathryn Forwood held a WORLD title when they competed in Canada.
Stephanie Korb
left a message on April 24, 2012:
A gem has gone to glory! Mrs. Forwood taught me to know when to be gracious, when it was time to work hard, and when it was time to just have fun. She was a matriarch and inspiration to many - including my mother. I was blessed to be able to march with her and my mom when I was just a toddler. Our entire family was blessed by her example. Enjoy Heaven, Mrs. Forwood! See you there one day!
rita marantino robinson
left a message on April 23, 2012:
Remembering our band director with much love, respect and admiration for her wonderful full life. She gave much to all of us in the Chichester band. She gave us her love of music,dedication and many years of marching with the band. I will always remember all those happy years she gave so willingly.. May you rest in peace (Kitty) Mrs. Forwood.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Barbara Jo Apichella
left a message on April 22, 2012:
It was my honor to know Mrs. Forwood as my band director at Chi. She put our school on the map by creating the best band of all! She taught us to strive for excellence and to achieve it. We went many places and performed in many venues, always doing the Chi banner proud. We owe a debt of gratitude to her for expanding our horizons and teaching us so much. She was a class act, and we will never forget her.
Linda O'Rourke
left a message on April 21, 2012:
Kitty & I have been friends for over 20 years. My friend Cleta Doyle brought me to her house for our 1st prayer group sessions. They have continued on for 20 years. We would bring snacks to share. Sometimes Kitty would play the piano. We always shared names of people who needed prayers. When her mother was living, we would go to her room & pray with her before we continued the evening. They were both such dear ladies. May Songs of the Angels take you Home to See the Face of God! God Bless you Kathryn.
Charlotte Heacock Mattsson
left a message on April 21, 2012:
I will always rembember her starched white uniform. Her magnificent presents in front of the band during a concert. Rest in peace.
Dan Heacock
left a message on April 21, 2012:
Looks like heaven needed some more music. If I shut my eyes, I can see her standing in front of a thousand piece band.
Sara Duko
left a message on April 21, 2012:
My very good friend Kate, I will miss you. Sincerely, Sally Duko
Bev Price Forsythe
left a message on April 21, 2012:
Who could ever forget that infectious smile. She will forever be missed.
Richard Davis
left a message on April 20, 2012:
In 1986 I had a young filly that I was interested in getting trained. I wound up at the Forwood Farm with Art Allen taking over as trainer. It was somewhere in that period that I met Bill Forwood. I liked him immediately. We would sit & talk quite frequently. A nice friendship came to be. But Bill was a very ill man, (he never let on to me) I came in one day & Art told me Bill had died the evening before. Helga & I went up to Trainor Pa. to Bill's viewing. There was a short service, we started leaving. As I was going out I saw all of these people of various ages,(old ones, young ones, some were mid-age,) a lot of them & they were in uniform. There were two ladies that were next to me so I asked them, who are you & what are you doing in those uniforms? (Was Norma & Paula) They explained they were a marching & concert band & they got together weekly & practised & they on occasion, marched in parades & gave band concerts. I asked, for who? They said, for whoever wants us! Why do you ask? I said that I was just curious, I used to play the tuba in my high school days. They said we need a tube player! I countered with, I haven't blown a note in 32 years. They said, we'll get you playing! I said,I don't have a horn! They said, we'll get you a horn! I mumbled something & I left. A few days later Mrs. Forwood came into the barn calling out for a Richard Davis. Of course I announced myself & she proceeded to give me a sales pitch on getting back to my music. Yes, yes, I agreed with her, (She was very forceful) It took her about a week to run me down again, this time Charlene & she came over to my house. This was a lady that you didn't say no to. Next thing I remember, I was in her living room taking tuba lessons. Kitty opened up a whole new way of life to me that I will treasure until my journey on this earth is over. Kitty, I just want to say how much I loved the hours we spent with you drilling the music back into me. You really meant it when you said that I would be a tuba player again. You also said, once a tuba player, always a tuba player. Kitty, my heart is filled with sorrow, & at the same time I have joy for you because I know that when we gather with you in heaven, We will be playing the marches far better than Sousa ever imagined because you will be our director! I would say Rest in peace, but I know you're not going to do that. You're busy making preparation for a band that can play music that will be the sweetest sound, not this side of heaven, but the sweetest sounds in heaven! I love you Kitty Forwood.
Joyce Templin
left a message on April 20, 2012:
I am a 1965 graduate of Chichester High School,and Mrs Forward was my chorus teacher,band instructor,bus driver, and a woman that I have admired for many years. She came for a visit at Luthern Knolls , in Boothwyn, which is where I live, and remembered me. What a pleasure it has been to have her to look up to all these years. I will never forget the kindness she showed to everyone that she was around. Kitty, We Love You! R.I.P. Joyce Templin
Brenda Myers Allen
left a message on April 20, 2012:
Memories of this beautiful women will last forever! As a 1981 Chichester Band Graduate I had the huge pleasure of marching in the Alumni Band with Mrs. Forwood as my director. What fun we had including Disney World trips, local events, and parties at the Forwood Farm. We lost our dear friend Tom Stephens last week and I know he is explaining to Mrs. Forwood right now why he got there before her....then the music and laughter will begin for them both. I Love You Mrs. Forwood and thank you for years of laughter, God Bless You.
Linda Stephens
left a message on April 20, 2012:
Mrs. Forwood was one of a kind and a very special lady. It was a pleasure to get to know her through my husband Tom Stephens who was originally one of her students, then she became a friend to both of us through the Alumni Band. No one will ever be able to take her place and I am sure she is in heaven with Tom getting the best band of all started. RIP Kitty. You will be missed. Linda Stephens
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Margie Wren Michener
left a message on April 26, 2012:
Just happened to check the Just Happened to check the Foard Obits, and found this one of an old friend and college friend. We did our student teaching in Kennett Square together. More fun on those rides in the morning from West Chester to Kennett. Kitty was always fun to be with. Graduated in 47. Have had several reunions, but don't recall seeing her then. Sounds as if she left many wonderful memories. Margie
Rita L. Smith
left a message on April 26, 2012:
We will all miss Ms. Forwood. She was the glue that held our band together with her dedication and love of music, which inspired all of us. She was very active in our Chi Community Band and lead many of our parades. She will be sorely missed and loved by so many. We will remember her always. May she rest in peace.
Andrea Rapposelli
left a message on April 25, 2012:
No one can measure how high or how wide this very special lady has touched so many lives with her love. Just a note Chichester Marching Band under the direction of Kathryn Forwood held a WORLD title when they competed in Canada.
Stephanie Korb
left a message on April 24, 2012:
A gem has gone to glory! Mrs. Forwood taught me to know when to be gracious, when it was time to work hard, and when it was time to just have fun. She was a matriarch and inspiration to many - including my mother. I was blessed to be able to march with her and my mom when I was just a toddler. Our entire family was blessed by her example. Enjoy Heaven, Mrs. Forwood! See you there one day!
rita marantino robinson
left a message on April 23, 2012:
Remembering our band director with much love, respect and admiration for her wonderful full life. She gave much to all of us in the Chichester band. She gave us her love of music,dedication and many years of marching with the band. I will always remember all those happy years she gave so willingly.. May you rest in peace (Kitty) Mrs. Forwood.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Barbara Jo Apichella
left a message on April 22, 2012:
It was my honor to know Mrs. Forwood as my band director at Chi. She put our school on the map by creating the best band of all! She taught us to strive for excellence and to achieve it. We went many places and performed in many venues, always doing the Chi banner proud. We owe a debt of gratitude to her for expanding our horizons and teaching us so much. She was a class act, and we will never forget her.
Linda O'Rourke
left a message on April 21, 2012:
Kitty & I have been friends for over 20 years. My friend Cleta Doyle brought me to her house for our 1st prayer group sessions. They have continued on for 20 years. We would bring snacks to share. Sometimes Kitty would play the piano. We always shared names of people who needed prayers. When her mother was living, we would go to her room & pray with her before we continued the evening. They were both such dear ladies. May Songs of the Angels take you Home to See the Face of God! God Bless you Kathryn.
Charlotte Heacock Mattsson
left a message on April 21, 2012:
I will always rembember her starched white uniform. Her magnificent presents in front of the band during a concert. Rest in peace.
Dan Heacock
left a message on April 21, 2012:
Looks like heaven needed some more music. If I shut my eyes, I can see her standing in front of a thousand piece band.
Sara Duko
left a message on April 21, 2012:
My very good friend Kate, I will miss you. Sincerely, Sally Duko
Bev Price Forsythe
left a message on April 21, 2012:
Who could ever forget that infectious smile. She will forever be missed.
Richard Davis
left a message on April 20, 2012:
In 1986 I had a young filly that I was interested in getting trained. I wound up at the Forwood Farm with Art Allen taking over as trainer. It was somewhere in that period that I met Bill Forwood. I liked him immediately. We would sit & talk quite frequently. A nice friendship came to be. But Bill was a very ill man, (he never let on to me) I came in one day & Art told me Bill had died the evening before. Helga & I went up to Trainor Pa. to Bill's viewing. There was a short service, we started leaving. As I was going out I saw all of these people of various ages,(old ones, young ones, some were mid-age,) a lot of them & they were in uniform. There were two ladies that were next to me so I asked them, who are you & what are you doing in those uniforms? (Was Norma & Paula) They explained they were a marching & concert band & they got together weekly & practised & they on occasion, marched in parades & gave band concerts. I asked, for who? They said, for whoever wants us! Why do you ask? I said that I was just curious, I used to play the tuba in my high school days. They said we need a tube player! I countered with, I haven't blown a note in 32 years. They said, we'll get you playing! I said,I don't have a horn! They said, we'll get you a horn! I mumbled something & I left. A few days later Mrs. Forwood came into the barn calling out for a Richard Davis. Of course I announced myself & she proceeded to give me a sales pitch on getting back to my music. Yes, yes, I agreed with her, (She was very forceful) It took her about a week to run me down again, this time Charlene & she came over to my house. This was a lady that you didn't say no to. Next thing I remember, I was in her living room taking tuba lessons. Kitty opened up a whole new way of life to me that I will treasure until my journey on this earth is over. Kitty, I just want to say how much I loved the hours we spent with you drilling the music back into me. You really meant it when you said that I would be a tuba player again. You also said, once a tuba player, always a tuba player. Kitty, my heart is filled with sorrow, & at the same time I have joy for you because I know that when we gather with you in heaven, We will be playing the marches far better than Sousa ever imagined because you will be our director! I would say Rest in peace, but I know you're not going to do that. You're busy making preparation for a band that can play music that will be the sweetest sound, not this side of heaven, but the sweetest sounds in heaven! I love you Kitty Forwood.
Joyce Templin
left a message on April 20, 2012:
I am a 1965 graduate of Chichester High School,and Mrs Forward was my chorus teacher,band instructor,bus driver, and a woman that I have admired for many years. She came for a visit at Luthern Knolls , in Boothwyn, which is where I live, and remembered me. What a pleasure it has been to have her to look up to all these years. I will never forget the kindness she showed to everyone that she was around. Kitty, We Love You! R.I.P. Joyce Templin
Brenda Myers Allen
left a message on April 20, 2012:
Memories of this beautiful women will last forever! As a 1981 Chichester Band Graduate I had the huge pleasure of marching in the Alumni Band with Mrs. Forwood as my director. What fun we had including Disney World trips, local events, and parties at the Forwood Farm. We lost our dear friend Tom Stephens last week and I know he is explaining to Mrs. Forwood right now why he got there before her....then the music and laughter will begin for them both. I Love You Mrs. Forwood and thank you for years of laughter, God Bless You.
Linda Stephens
left a message on April 20, 2012:
Mrs. Forwood was one of a kind and a very special lady. It was a pleasure to get to know her through my husband Tom Stephens who was originally one of her students, then she became a friend to both of us through the Alumni Band. No one will ever be able to take her place and I am sure she is in heaven with Tom getting the best band of all started. RIP Kitty. You will be missed. Linda Stephens
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.