A wonderful lady and teacher. I will always remember the way she smiled so brightly when (to my horror) she presented my then five-year-old son as the first player in his first piano recital. It was a great surprise and a triumph! She instilled good habits, like washing hands before playing. We enjoyed going to her house on Darlington, and we will always think of her as we play.

In 2008, I was searching for a piano teacher for my son (then 6).  A retired collegue suggested contacting the woman who taught his (now adult) children - Kathryn Stolarevsky.  The phone number eventually led me to Kathryn's residence at Schenley Gardens.  Upon asking her if she still taught piano, she said: "I'm not sure, let me check if they'll let me use the piano in the lobby".  For the next three years, my son had lessons with her every other week on this lobby piano, and she was a wonderful mentor and friend to him.  I'm astounded to learn that Kathryn was actually in her late 90's while she was teaching my son. I didn't realize until now how long she'd been an incredible music teacher, but I wanted to relay that she remained so well into her 90's.

I took piano and sang at Ellis School with Ms. Stolarevsky, went on to sing in boarding school, then in the choir and octet in college.  In my mid-seventies I learned to play mountain dulcimer and now teach a class for the University of Kentucky.  Like many of her former students I think of "Miss Fell" often, even today...she gave us a lifelong love of music.  Remember the opera, "The goldfish" written by her husband that we performed at Ellis, anyone?

She was such a gift to me, not only teaching me to love music, but also so kind to me as I went through angst and fears.  What a wonderful teacher, I think of her often.  Katharine Brown Blakeslee

Mortar Board was proud to claim Kathryn as a member. On behalf of the National Council and Board of Trustees, I offer deep sympathy and the most sincere regard for the way that she lived Mortar Board's Ideals every day.

The year the Beatles had their opening act on the Ed Sullivan show in 1962, I started lessons with Kay in her home until 1968 when practicing became harder in light of a teenager's busy week. She was a patient, creative and gifted teacher.  In 1960, my brother learned from her as well for a handful of years.  He plays to this day. Mrs S came back in my life in 1995 when  my first born daughter started lessons and then with my second born started in 1999.  As a single mom, life was a challenge, but lessons with Kay would not be sacrificed as not only did we learn to read music and play, she encouraged us to write our own music, explore show tunes after the classics and learn other instruments.  Both of my children thrived in the Chatham Music Day Camp as did I as a five year old.  Years later my youngest met Kay again at the Eliis school where Kay was seen  now and then.  Kay became a member of my family and joined us for Thanksgiving a few times.  We would deliver cookies to her home before the dinner, flowers and gifts at holidays.  She would never reveal her age, so we didn't know when her birthday was.  Any day was a good reason to give Kay something special.  We loved her.  She was very private.  She will always be part of our souls, for she brought the sweet sounds of music to our homes, lives and world.  The world was a better place with Kay in it.   We miss her already.  Our most sincere condolences to her family and close friends, students and colleagues.  She truly was an extraordinary human being.  Rest in peace.  May her memory be a  blessing.

Before the Beatles and Beach Boys, Mrs. Stolarevsky taught us about the joy of music, and how it would enrich our lives.  We were so lucky to have had her as a pillar of our Ellis experience.  Thank you to her children and grandchildren for sharing her with decades of Ellis girls.

I am honored to have know Kay since I was a little girl. She and her beloved Mischa hired my mother, Teddy Kovacs, to work in the Laboratory School of Music at Chatham and in their wonderful Day Camp. As I grew older I worked at the Music and Arts Day Camp as well, and for many years sat at the piano in their living room taking lessons.  Kay was a beautiful woman both inside and out, and a perfect role model for what all of us should aspire to be in our lives.  Kay and I kept in touch over the years and each time we spoke or met, it was a treasured moment.  Thank you for being a part of my life and for the kindness and love you and Mischa always shared with my mother and me.  You were one of a kind and the perfect lady! Pamela Kovacs

Such a dear, talented, hard working lady.  So happy I was able to help her arrange a proper celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the camp. It was such an honor to work with her.  Ceci Sommers

Kay and Mischa! Precious PSO friends. Farewell dear Kay, O lovely lady.

Mrs. Stolarevsky was my piano teacher from third grade through eleventh grade, in the 1970's and 1980's, and I went to her music camp at Chatham during one of those summers. She was always kind and supportive and patient with me, even when I didn't practice enough between lessons. Mrs. Stolarevsky introduced me to many composers I learned to love, thus broadening my exposure to classical music (and to ragtime, my favorite!). She also encouraged me to play popular music, and even allowed me to play one of my own compositions at a recital. What a wonderful and gentle soul she was! I will always remember her with fondness, appreciation and gratitude.

Kaye Stolarevsky was one of the most marvelously talented women I have had the fortune to know. I first met her when she auditioned my little boy for a music scholarship to her beloved Chatham College Music & Arts Day Camp. Several years later, she recruited me to help her fundraise for her scholarship fund for the camp. We did this together for a number of years, and then she got me to help her move her fund to The Pittsburgh Foundation, something she agonized over but also knew it was time. Her love of her piano students, her family, her dear friends, her music and, above all, the memory of her beloved husband were an inspiration to me. I loved coming to her sweet little place in Squirrel Hill and seeing what she was wearing and what new plan she had cooked up. A remarkable woman with tremendous vision and great ability. I am  blessed to have known her. Love to her family. A life well-lived.

Kay was an exceptionally beautiful woman in every way...those sparkling eyes, her sense of passion, her generous and loving support of kids-- and especially of kids and others interested in music.    We at Chatham continue to be grateful for her creation and sponsorship of the Chatham Arts Camp and pledge to remain inspired by her sense of quality and love for the arts.  Our great condolences to the family-
Esther Barazzone
President
Chatham University

OBITUARY

Kathryn Stolarevsky

May 2, 1914 – March 27, 2015

H.P. Brandt Funeral Home

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