Patricia Kay Fowler

Patricia Kathryne (Kay) Fowler, resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 17, 2020. Born in 1944 and raised in Beaumont, TX, Kay was passionate about conserving the environment and reducing the suffering of others, including our animal friends on planet Earth. She transitioned at age 76 without suffering.

Kay was co-owner with Nancy Stem of Fresco Books, a company renowned for producing award-winning books, most of which document fine artists and photographers primarily in the American West and many from New Mexico. Prior to establishing their book company, they published The Essential Guides to Taos and Santa Fe from 1994-99.

Kay earned her doctorate degree in music from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. A mezzo soprano, she was a vocalist/performer for many years in Europe and notably Germany, followed by development work for the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic. She was also a professor of voice at the University of New Mexico and at the University of Missouri. After retiring from teaching, Kay continued to mentor aspiring vocalists. Her long-time directorship of the choir at Congregation Beit Tikva in Santa Fe, NM, was legendary, as was Nancy and Kay’s annual celebration of the holidays which was filled with music provided by their countless friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores (Pat) Widman Fowler-Shepherd (1917-2011); and father, Afton Walker (Pete) Fowler (1910-1988) of Beaumont. She is survived by her life partner of nearly three decades, Nancy L. Stem, and their Scottish terriers, Rocky and Max.

A celebration of Kay’s life is planned for 2021. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to your favorite environmental nonprofit, animal shelter, or humane society.