Celebrating a Life Well Lived

Mary C. Kasch, OTR/L, CHT, FAOTA

February 15, 1947 - May 21, 2012

“Is there a way for any of us to fully know, appreciate or acknowledge Mary's contribution to our lives and our profession?  Her talent for vision, her capacity for insight, her dedication to purpose permeate the past forty years of our profession.  Novice or master clinician alike, hand therapists throughout the world have been touched by the life of Mary Kasch. It is hard to imagine a world without her expertise guiding it.  We have been blessed and privileged to share her tenure.”
Bill Walsh

“It is certainly a loss for each of us personally, and for our society and profession collectively. Mary was a force of nature. We are all better for having known her.”
Dorit Aaron

"Mary was a true pioneer of hand therapy and lovely person. The launching of hand therapy would not have been the same without her. Her friends and family have our prayers and celebration in a life well spent. There was a rift in our universe when she passed - my cell phone would not stop. What a great network of friends she has had."
Judy Bell Krotoski

"I cannot imagine a hand therapy world without Mary's presence. She left quite a legacy for which we all are thankful. She will be greatly missed."
Peggy Boineau

“I was so sorry to hear about Mary...we'll all miss her.  I got particularly close to Mary during the management company selection process...always the voice of reason.  I'm glad we shared that time together.”
Jim King

“Mary was a true leader and innovator and the profession of hand therapy would not be as solid without her donation of time, skills, knowledge and love.  She has truly left her mark.  My joy is that she is at peace and has lived an incredible life.”
Jerry Coverdale

“We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mary for her vision in founding ASHT and her wisdom in leading us to certification.  She will always be remembered fondly.”
Joan Sullivan

“Mary will be missed by so many people and by an entire organization.  She was an amazing woman.” 
Pegge Wilson

“I admired Mary for her generosity and dedication to Hand Therapy, but especially admired her for her personal traits.  It was no surprise that she bore her trial of cancer with grace and courage, and continued to give of herself until she was no longer able. We have lost a remarkable colleague and friend.”
Anne Callahan

An icon passed on to her place of rest. Mary had a wonderful spirit for life. In addition to her family, our small hand community will profoundly feel her loss.
Sue Michlovitz

“Thank you so very much for letting us know that our very special friend is now in true peace.  Mary was really the reason I got so involved in ASHT as she was the first "Standardardization Committee" Chair and the energy behind the original ASHT logo. Mary was a little "bit of everything" to so many of us ... May her spirit live on!”
Shellye Godfrey

“Thank you so much for letting us know of Mary’s passing.  Everything you said of her is true. She was personally responsible for interesting me in ASHT during its formative years.
We will all miss her very much.”
Janet Waylett-Rendall

"Hand recertification every five years used to be a paperwork overload. A call to HTCC headquarters for help would put you directly on line with Mary. She was always calm, friendly and helpful. Mary exemplified the servant-leader posture that will remain a role model for all in service to others."
Maureen Hardy

“It is not the length of life, but the depth.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson