Kathy Cox Memorial Award
By Renée Tramack
Kathy Cox was a member of New England Voices in Harmony who lost her courageous battle with cancer in December 2004. She joined the chorus after attending our Charter Party in 2001. Kathy had been told repeatedly while growing up that she couldn’t sing. However, one day I heard her singing in church and convinced her to try Barbershop.
Kathy was a woman who constantly worked on her music at home and always made improvements while maintaining a positive attitude. Her work ethic and faith kept her striving to be the best she could be.
Kathy was also grateful to have found us. Some of the last words she said to me were, “You changed my life that day,” meaning the day in church when I spoke to her. Kathy even told me that once she passed her audition and was member, we were never getting rid of her because she would never quit!
I think it is most appropriate to create an award in her memory so she will always remain a member of our chorus. The Kathy Cox Memorial Award, donated by Renée Tramack and Debbie Borsari, Directors, will be given to the member of the chorus who has improved the most, musically, as an individual in any given year. She must also have maintained a positive attitude both on and off the risers. Even though Kathy can no longer sing with us, her spirit and positive energy will remain alive in New England Voices in Harmony as each year we present the Kathy Cox Memorial Award.
2008
Recipient: Ann Hamel
2007
Recipient: Kathy Caldwell
2006 Recipient: Jackie White