Katherine Jane Wende passed away on Jan. 8 2008, and is now singing with the angels.

She was born July 31, 1925 to Leonard and Nana Cain, in Dallas, Texas. Growing up in different locations around the state as her family moved, she graduated from Austin High School. She then went on to the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a degree in music education. Following completion of her studies, she taught music at the University Junior High School and led its choir to numerous top music awards in music competition. 

On December 27, 1947, she married William I. Wende, and they were husband and wife for sixty years. They reared two sons, who remember her as a loving, energetic mother, filled with life and intelligence, who taught them to seek excellence and joy in all things.

Over the years, they lived all over the nation and eventually all over the world, as Bill was transferred with Mobil Oil Corporation. Wherever they went, Katherine continued her musical vocation. She sang as a professional soloist in choirs and an operatic company, served as director for a number of church and community choral programs, and conservatories such as Julliard and Hart, and to perform in a variety of professional venues, including Broadway.

In addition, Katherine had a great gift for writing and, while living in Indonesia, compiled the notes that became the foundation for her novel, The Kris Murders.

In 1993, Katherine and Bill retired to Salado, Texas. During this time, Katherine along with Marj Kirkman a concert Pianist, organized the Salado Women’s Chorale. The chorale has now been expanded to include men and is renamed the Salado Community Chorus. In her honor, her husband gave the bells for the new Katherine J. Wende handbell choir at Salado United Methodist Church.

Memorial services for Katherine will be held at Salado United Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m. She is survived by her husband Bill and her two sons. The Heartfield Funeral Home of Belton will be handling the arrangements.