Kathryn Louise Henderson Malone, age 82, was called home to be with God on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Born on November 4, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, Kathryn spent her early years there before her family moved to Waco. From a young age, her life was filled with music, friendship, and joy. She loved running around with her friends, singing in youth choirs, and spending countless hours at the piano, where her natural talent and dedication shone. She studied piano with her mother, Anita Hopson Henderson, as well as Dr. William MacKamie and Dr. Thomas Redcay, mentors who helped shape a lifelong passion for music.

In 1958, her hard work paid off when she received a music scholarship to Baylor University. While attending Waco High School, she was active in choir under the direction of Ken Howard and graduated in 1962. During her freshman year at Baylor, Kathryn auditioned for the Van Cliburn piano competition and was awarded first place, an achievement that reflected both her talent and determination. In addition to majoring in piano, she also studied organ. It was at Baylor that Kathryn met the love of her life, Fred A. Malone.

After their marriage in 1963, Kathryn and Fred moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she completed her degree in Elementary Education at the University of New Mexico. In 1964, Kathryn welcomed her first daughter, Jocelyn, and six years later her family grew again with the birth of Heather. From the moment she became a mother, Kathryn was endlessly supportive, caring, and nurturing. The same devotion she gave her students was magnified in the love she poured into her daughters, who became the great joy of her life.

Kathryn devoted more than 30 years to teaching at Cochiti Elementary School, where she became known not only for her musical talents but for her deep love for her students. She organized beloved winter productions, playing the piano while her students sang, and she took immense pride in each child's growth and success. Kathryn had a remarkable memory for her students' names and kept report cards and mementos they gave her carefully filed at home. She truly cherished watching them succeed and especially loved running into former students around town years later.

Music remained a constant joy in Kathryn's life. She not only loved to play music but also loved to listen to it. Among her favorite artists were Neil Diamond and The Carpenters, and she held a deep appreciation for classical music and old hymns, which brought her comfort, inspiration, and peace throughout her life.

Kathryn was also a longtime member of Alpha Delta Kappa- Lambda Chapter, an educational sorority dedicated to strengthening and empowering women educators. She joined the group in 1972 and served as President from 1978 to 1980. Over the years, she held many roles and responsibilities and treasured the friendships she built while supporting the organization's mission and vision. On April 18, 2023, she was awarded special recognition for 50 years of dedicated membership, an honor that meant a great deal to her.

After retirement, Kathryn embraced her love of travel. She and Fred explored Europe, Alaska, and many places across the United States. On these trips, she was always thinking of her family collecting materials to teach her grandchildren or to share with her daughters. A devoted mother, Kathryn adored her two girls and her many cats, and she was famously known for providing the neighborhood cats with a generous "buffet." She was also a loving and devoted wife to Fred, and she found great joy in celebrating her family during holidays, graduations, and birthdays. She had a special gift for making every moment memorable through thoughtful gifts, handwritten letters, and notes of encouragement.

Kathryn loved gardening and took pride in growing strawberries, peaches, apples, and cherries. She was also an exceptional baker. Her pumpkin chiffon pie could convert even those who claimed not to like pumpkin, and her lemon pudding cake was truly unforgettable. Baking was her love language, and she shared it generously.

At the heart of Kathryn's life were her passions: serving others through teaching, loving her children and grandchildren deeply, and bringing fun and laughter into every situation she could. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, music, dedication, and joy.

Kathryn is survived by her daughters, Jocelyn Duran (and her spouse, Gregory Duran) and Heather Sickenger (and her spouse, Doug Sickenger); and her three grandchildren, Caitlyn Duran, Steven Duran, and Megan Sickenger. She is also survived by her sister, Miriam Eley of Titusville, New Jersey, and her spouse, Elem Eley. She is further survived by Fred's sisters: Cecilia Gerdes (and her spouse, Lyle Gerdes) of Suffield, Connecticut; Linda Evenson (and her spouse, Butch Evenson) of Las Cruces; and Mary Ann Malone of Las Cruces, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception at FRENCH - Westside.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Kathryn Malone to Saranam, a charity supported by her sorority: https://saranamabq.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/.