Katherine Arlyss Tyner
Katherine Arlyss Kelley Tyner (born April 29, 1948, the oldest child of Walter and Arlyss Kelley) died peacefully at home on July 11, 2021, at age 73, from complications from pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease.
Katherine will be remembered by Craig Edwin, her dearly beloved husband of 52 years and loyal duplicate bridge partner and fellow Bronze Life Master; her daughter Kelley Anne (Bill), her son Ryan Patrick (Jen), granddaughters Eryn Riley (age 15) and Hannah Katherine (age 6), and grandson Lincoln Patrick (age 4 months), in addition to many siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Katherine was the kindest, gentlest soul one could imagine and gave of herself fully to her cherished husband and children, and they returned her love in full measure. When she was sidetracked by the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis in 2007, Craig, Kelley, and Ryan were always there with their support and love. And their love for her was matched only by the adoration in Eryn, Hannah, and Lincoln’s eyes every time they were with their Kat.
She was everything a husband, child, or grandchild could want, and they will remember her every time they smell a lilac bush, see a turtle, note a pleasing numerical symmetry (such as 12:34 pm), make any of her multitude of recipes, choose a hardback book over a paperback or ebook, play a board game, notice Albuquerque’s beautiful skies, glorious sunsets, or the Sandias, vacuum (a favorite pastime – not joking!), listen to Irish folk music, hold a tradition dear, or put a loved one’s needs ahead of their own.
Katherine enjoyed her 73 years of life simply doing the things she loved. Her greatest joys were Craig’s infinite love, loving and raising Kelley and Ryan, and nurturing her grandchildren. In addition to cooking and reading, she enjoyed duplicate bridge at the Duke City Bridge Club, traveling with family, gardening, and volunteering. Inspired by her high school service club and 11 years as a Girl Scout, she served as a Brownie leader when Kelley was a toddler, was active at Acoma Elementary and Manzano High School, worked as a zoo greeter, read for Newsline for the Blind, distributed Books for Babies, tutored with ABQ Reads and the First Unitarian Church, canvassed for the Democratic Party, and served on the DCBC board.
A graduate of Occidental College, she taught elementary school until her children were born and, once they were older, worked as an APS substitute for 11 years.
She was truly a kindred spirit, and we are all immensely grateful for every moment we had with her. She will live on in our hearts, our memories, and in the giggles of the children who were lucky enough to have had her for their grandmother.
A remembrance will be held in the near future. Katherine requested that you donate to a cause dear to you if you wish to honor her memory.