Kathryn E. Koenig

Kathryn rejoins in eternity her beloved parents Ernest and Laura Koenig and her cherished brother Fredrick.

She obtained her PhD in social psychology from the University of Michigan in 1962. She joined the Department of Psychology at York University in 1965. Kathryn was a Professor Emeritus from the Psychology Department at York University.

Kathryn was loved by her colleagues and students at York. Throughout her career, she held many positions, she served as Chair of the Undergraduate Studies Program (1968-1971), Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts (1973-1976) and Chair of the Department of Psychology (1987-1990). She was honoured with awards in recognition of her devotion to her teaching. Kathryn was an innovative academic who built a course combining the humanities and psychology, and others in Health Psychology. Her commitment to education continues with a scholarship in her name and her support and volunteerism to the entire community at York University.

She had a wonderful sense of humour, had an infectious laughter and this laughter was even shown in the twinkle in her eyes. Kathryn was kind, generous, and boundless in her generosity, especially with her time. She was an animal lover. She was a devoted baseball fan, particularly the Toronto Blue Jays, and a frequent user of the tennis courts at York University. Kathryn was an avid traveler and reader, always seeking new experiences and stories. She loved spending time in her later years in her garden and her home, which embodied her keen eye for detail and beauty.

Kathryn also loved the fine arts; she frequently attended the opera, symphony, and other cultural events with dear friends. She was deeply engaged in world affairs, news, and social justice, she was always aware of political events. Kathryn will be remembered as a person who never complained and could turn anything into an amusing story. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

A Memorial Gathering for Kathryn was held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 6191 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2M4K4.

Committal Service will be Friday, June 27, 2025; 2:00 pm at Concordia Cemetery, 4209 Bates Street; St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathryn's memory to the Koenig Psychology Undergraduate

Award at York University (Division of Advancement, West Building, 4700 Keele Street Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3).