My condolences to Ms Wentworth's family and to the WotF community. I am grateful to Kathy for all the Honorable Mentions she gave me submitting to the contest she administered for so long. I found them to be encouraging, spurring me on to keep writing and submitting. She was wonderful to put up with all my bribery attempts on the SFF net forum, always special to me when someone gets my odd sense of humor.
My condolences to you to Kathleen. It appeared that you and Kathy had a special bond. My heart pours out to you as you are likely still absorbing this bitter news.
Thank you for all your patience to people like me, for everything you've done for the writers trying to break into the business, and for the wonderful works of fiction you shared with the world. You will be missed.
posted
I couldn't sleep, turned on the computer and just saw this news. KD was a wonderful person whose humour and friendly, outgoing, easy manner made the WotF workshop an incredibly positive experience. I had somehow always imagined being able to see her again at a workshop or convention in the future, but alas, it will now only happen in my dreams. Sad news.
Posts: 921 | Registered: Nov 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Terribly, terribly sad news. She was very nice to me about a couple of my stories...
Regarding WOTF: whoever takes over her position as co-ordinating judge for WOTF, will likely have different tastes, so I'd expect a subtle change what wins the competition.
Posts: 2995 | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Oh, wow. This _is_ sad news. And I am particularly sad that I didn't get to meet her. Condolences to her family and close friends (she seems to have a lot of admirers).
Posts: 789 | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Oh my. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and to everyone whose life she touch. May their memories of her carry them through this difficult time.
posted
I'm new enough to all this that I didn't really know a lot about her but so many seemed to admire her and Kathleen especially that I'm sorry for the loss to the community and to Kathleen for her personal loss. Prayers to her family and friends.
Posts: 33 | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
I roomed with K. D. Wentworth at least three times at conventions, and stayed at her house for CONestoga one year.
We would tell people that we were twins (because of our matching initials), and that the way to tell us apart was that she had blue eyes and I have brown.
I will miss her, but I know she is free from pain and reunited with her dear dogs.
It was just like her not to let anyone know she was ill.
Posts: 8826 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!
| IP: Logged |
posted
I would like to add my condolences to the rest. She seemed like a nice person and I have one HM signed by her, so I will have that on my wall
I stated in the other thread I was impressed that she kept on soldiering through what had to be significant pain and mental stress. I think that says the most about her spirit.
Posts: 459 | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
According to her obituary, it appeared complications from treating her cancer is why she suddenly passed. Both of my parents were treated for cancer and my father succumbed after the second time he had it. From that experience, I can see why you wouldn't have known she was ill.
Doctors want to give you every reason to fight it. Positive thinking is a patients best defense against the disease. People who allow despair to take over have virtually no chance of survival. So it is likely Kathy had every reason to believe she was going to be okay and didn't want to anyone to worry.
I am guessing they were aggressively treating it, unfortunately, the chemotherapy required to combat cancer leaves your body defenseless. Pneumonia is the biggest concern doctors have after an intense session.
I can imagine Kathy's doctors reporting wonderful progress after the therapy then notifying her family pneumonia had set in. Poor woman probably had hours after that point. I feel for everyone who had to endure those final days. It is tough.
I know WotF likely has a very competent replacement but KDW (the blue eyed one) will always be She Who Must Be Impressed. I know you weren't related but I always have seen you as the sisters you had become, Kathleen. I have many writer friends but I hope I can one day form a bond you two shared. Your loss must feel hollow considering you hadn't had a chance to say goodbye. I hope you had someone close to you to give you that you comforting hug you deserve, Kathleen.
posted
I didn't know her beyond what people have written about her on this forum. But she sounded like a real class act who did a lot to help and support aspiring writers.
My condolences to everyone who knew her on a personal level, especially you Kathleen. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posts: 1102 | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
My condolences to all who shared time and conversation with her - the care she had for everyone, especially aspiring writers, was very evident. I received an HM from her, and I will think of her every time I see it from here on.
Posts: 2003 | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
