Catherine A. Smith

Dr. Catherine A. Smith, distinguished faculty emerita, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, passed away January 2 at Meadowood. She was born in LaPorte, Indiana, on October 27, 1925, to H. Myron and Marie (Burgoon) Smith. Cay graduated from Bloomington High School and received her B.M. and M.M. with distinction from the I.U. School of Music. She earned her A.D. Music degree from Florida State University under the tutelage of Ernst Von Dohnanyi. She was the first woman in the U.S. to earn a doctorate in piano performance.

Cay taught piano for some 40 years, most of which were at Eastern Illinois University. She also taught classes and performed piano programs around the world. She led music and art European tours. At Eastern Illinois University she received the Distinguished Faculty Award, served as chairman of the Keyboard Department and was involved in faculty governance. She served on the Faculty Senate, Council on Academic Affairs. Cay served two terms as President of the Illinois Music Teachers Association.

After retiring in 1988, Cay returned to Bloomington. She served as president of the National Society of Arts and Letters and the Community Chamber Music Association. She served on the boards of the Friends of Music, the Bloomington Adult Community Center, Meals on Wheels and the Indiana State Music Association. Cay was also involved with Sigma Alpha Iota, Community Kitchen, Catholic Social Services, Friday Musicale and the St. Charles Peace and Justice Committee. She was also an avid duplicate bridge player; sometimes playing with three different groups a week.

Kay is survived by her sister, Marie Mitchell and 19 nieces and nephews. Several nieces and nephews live in Bloomington: Cathy Carter, Steve Carter, Mike Carter, Sally Carter, John Carter, and Susie McGlasson. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Henry Myron Smith, Jr, Joseph Smith, and Patrick Smith; and one sister, Margaret Carter.

A mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 8, at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Church prior to the mass.

Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E. Third St., Bloomington, Indiana 47401 is entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be given to the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com