Client Spotlight: Meet Kitty, 72

Poet, Teacher, Explorer: The Many Sides of Kitty

At 72, Kitty is a woman whose life has been defined by passion, purpose, and creativity. Her journey began with humble roots, as a waitress and a bilingual secretary, before she launched into a transformative teaching career that spanned more than two decades. From 1982 to 2005, she inspired generations of students as a dedicated French teacher, earning her Master’s degree in French Literature from NYU in 1984 and serving as president of the Rochester Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). She also coordinated the local National French Contest, sharing her deep love for the French language and culture.

Beyond the classroom, Kitty devoted 25 years as a docent at Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery, guiding countless visitors through the world of visual art with insight and enthusiasm. She also turned her lifelong love for words into a second distinguished career. After receiving her MFA in Creative Writing from Pacific University in 2009, she became an accomplished poet, authoring seven books, most recently Whispers of Perhaps (2023), and publishing numerous poems and articles in literary journals. Since 2008, Kitty has moderated weekly poetry discussions, taught poetry courses at Writers & Books, and led inspiring workshops for fellow writers.

But Kitty’s talents don’t end with teaching and writing. A gifted pianist since age six, she continues to study and perform pieces by Debussy, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff, most recently under the guidance of Hochstein faculty. A lover of movement and music, she also enjoys ballroom dancing with her husband, whom she met in 1972 and married five years later in Brussels. Together, they raised two children, Alexandra and Christophe, who remain a source of immense pride.

Kitty’s life is rich with varied interests, from travel and language to hiking, card games, and chess. She once excelled at tennis and was an all-city varsity field hockey player in high school. Today, she channels her energy into writing daily, tending a community garden, engaging in neighborhood art projects, and keeping connections alive through heartfelt letters to family and friends.

Rooted in kindness, intellect, and an abiding commitment to cultural and community enrichment, Kitty continues to live a life filled with curiosity, creativity, and grace.



-When was the last time you were photographed professionally?

Only with you!

- Why did you decide to participate in this project?

Mostly my husband's idea. However, I thought it might be a valuable personal experience. For all my outgoingness, I am an introspective person, and enjoy exploring the inner world of emotions, examining relationships.

- How did you feel when you first decided to participate in this photoshoot?

Nervous!

- What were your initial thoughts and emotions about being photographed at this stage of your life?

I feel strongly that our society does not pay attention to the quiet, inner beauty that is collected and refined over the years. This is especially true for women. No one wants to look or feel old, nor show hints of all the negative connotations that society imposes on getting old. I was curious what the camera could "catch"-- what sort of mirror of myself I might see, and hopefully love.

- Did you have any concerns or reservations about the photoshoot?

No

- Can you describe your experience during the photoshoot?

We talked prior to the photoshoot about the difficulty of capturing the complexity of being contained in one body. Elena knows I love to play piano, write poetry and that I love to dance... saw my tango shoes... had tango music on the whole 6 hours I was there, which set a passionate mood. She encouraged me to read aloud poems from my 7 books. I call it serendipity. The first book I picked up is called Mosaicq -- a perfect metaphor for how a portrait works -- "broken" pieces are joined anew together to create a larger image. I hadn't read these poems for 11 years... All of a sudden, I was plunged back into the self I was 20 years ago--

Because Elena asked me to hold my books, to read from them... because of serendipity -- that I would open to a poem to my husband where I juxtapose words of endearment, carino, mon amour, liebschen with mundane references, or a poem about my father, my mother, my daughter, son, it was very emotional.

But also present was the clown in me, the mischievous little girl, the curious, inquisitive, sensitive and thoughtful woman I am. I had complete trust that Elena would capture what would make a good "mosaic".

- How did you feel immediately after the photoshoot?

Incredulous.

- What was your reaction when you saw the final photos?

Relieved

- Did the photoshoot change the way you see yourself? If so, how?

I don't think it changed how I see myself.

- Did the photoshoot help you discover or rediscover any aspects of yourself?

Like writing an autobiography -- before the day arrived, I thought about what could possibly show who I am and how to line up my insides with all the emotions, what is often hidden in the smile (like my Mona Lisa poem ) with the outside -- the how one wants to be perceived.

The photoshoot allowed the liberty to play with all my various parts of personality.

- Was this experience mostly fun, or did it have a deeper impact on you?

You made it very fun!

- In what ways did it affect you personally or emotionally?

I am always grateful for experiences which allow me to authentically encounter myself.

Having the space to read my poems, written over almost a 20-year period, which also refer to experiences before I began writing poetry was truly an affirmation of myself as poet, as musical wordsmith. This to me was the most meaningful part.

- What wisdom would you like to share with young women today?

Find your passion and pursue it. Each person has some inner gift and a unique emotional resonance. Taking time each day to reflect on what touches you, helps to direct each next step. As E.E. Cummings says: “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human being can fight and never stop fighting.”

- If you could talk to your younger self, what would you say?

Trust yourself and be patient. If you act as if all will be well, all will be well.

- What are the best things about aging, in your opinion?

The ability to step back, and take time to reflect on the best possible answer. I feel less in a hurry in a culture that demands that we hurry, and a sense of power in refusing to follow a mad pace. I feel as a woman in a largely male-dominated world, much stronger about maintaining my boundaries and standing up for what I feel is not only important for me, but for our world.

- How do you embrace the changes that come with getting older?

The best medicine is laughter and not to take yourself seriously! So, one falls apart... the memory goes... as long as I can act with kindness and empathy for myself and others, all is well.

- How have you grown or changed since entering your 40s?

I feel less worried about what is not in my control (which is most everything!)

- What are some accomplishments or milestones you’re proud of at this stage in your life?

My books and weekly work, and the friendships this has fostered; likewise, the friendships and effort to try to play the piano so that it moves people's hearts; The milestone of my 52 years with my husband and our commitment to each other to keep growing in our mutual understanding.

Of course, I am proud of my children -- but they are the ones behind their accomplishments.

- Who or what inspires you at this stage of your life?

Great thinkers, philosophers, poets, musicians, artists.

- Are there any role models or figures who have influenced your outlook on aging?

I have so many...

- Do you have a life motto that you live by?

Many that call on stoic attitude, patience, compassion.

- Do you have a quote or a phrase that represents you, your view on life, or tells anything about you?

there are so many... difficult to choose.

- What are your aspirations and goals for the future?

To be the best I can be: to be a better listener.

- How do you plan to continue celebrating your age and experiences :

Continue teaching; continue loving my husband, children, family, and especially reminding myself of the privilege of being healthy, and able to enjoy living.