Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, age 68, of Princeton passed away July 6, 2007 at Fairview Northland Regional Hospital in Princeton. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, July 11th at the Church of The Open Door in Maple Grove. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church and also from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 10th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, 68, of Princeton went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 6, 2007, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Kathleen Erin Hogg was born June 3, 1939 to Charles and Gladys (Coker) Hogg in Alexandria, Louisiana. She attended school locally and graduated in 1957. She met her future husband at a sock hop for servicemen and on July 20, 1956 married Air Force Lieutenant Ross Eugene Woodiwiss.
Ross and Kathleen were blessed with three sons. Sean Alan was born in Alexandria, Louisiana four years after they were wed. Dorren James followed two years later in Tachikawa, Japan. Eight years after in Minneapolis, Minnesota Heath Alexander made their family complete.
Kathleen enjoyed fashion modeling in Japan, later designing and creating many of her own gowns and costumes for numerous officer’s club functions that she attended with her husband Ross. In the history of the Morgan Grand National Horse Show she was the first rider/driver to have won both Amateur Pleasure Grand Championships with the same horse. Many family camping trips were also humorously remembered and retold.
On a typewriter she had given her husband, Kathleen created her first historical romance novel. After many numerous rejections she retyped the entire book, editing and double spacing it, and submitted it to one of the first name’s (Avon) appearing on a list of publishers. Kathleen was one of the first authors to enter the world of historical romance fiction of over 600 pages. She is considered by many to be the creator of this genre. Kathleen has a couple of short stories and 13 best selling novels now in circulation. With more than 36 million copies in print the legend continues on.
Kathleen’s happiest moments were spent with her children and grandchildren. She was a proud supporter of her grandchildren’s interests; attending numerous ballet performances, football games, and singing pursuits.
Kathleen is survived by sons Sean and Heath, Sean’s wife Denise and their children Alexa, Amber, Seth, Arienne, and two sisters, Evelyn Vanderford, and Lynn (Cub) Feltner. She is preceded in death by Ross, son Dorren, her parents, and six of her eight siblings.
Connie Dingler says
Ms. Woodiwiss will be missed by so many people. She has brought so much pleasure to everyone who read her books. She was the first author of romances I ever read, and I loved her books dearly.
I am so sorry for your families loss! Please accept my condolences, and know that not only will she always be in your hearts and memories, but also millions of women. The ones whose lives she made brighter by her talent and gifts of her books.
Connie Dingler
Brony (NZ) says
Dear Heath, I am very saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved mother. Your mother was an inspiration to so many of us fans all over the world. I have all her books which I have reread countless times over the years since first discovering ‘Ashes in the Wind’ as a 17 year old. Her books will continue to be an inspiration to us all many of whom have been inspired to take up the chance to be writers themselves. My prayers are with you and you family at this sad time.
Heather Grothaus says
My deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the Woodiwiss family. Kathleen’s beautifully written love stories sparked my dream of becoming a historical romance writer when I was very young, and it is to her high standards that I still aspire to with every word I write. She was a beloved icon of the genre, and will be sorely missed.
Vanessa says
I am truly saddend by your loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathy. Kathleen was one of my all time favorite writers. Ashes in the Wind is my favorite among her work. She wrote in such a beautiful voice, absoultely perfect for historicals. As a fellow writer I long to write even half as beautifully and well crafted as she. I do hope that you will be able to finish and publish her last words for all of us to treasure.
Thank you,
Vanessa Escue
Debbie D. says
I am so saddened by this news.
Ms.Kathleen,
You gave me so many hours of reading pleasure. I have every one of your books and will treasure them always. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love stories you bestowed on the world. You will be missed!
Prayers to your family in this sad time.
God Speed, Kathleen.
Maria Stephenson says
I am so very sorry to hear of such a tragic loss.Ms Woodiwiss opened up a very important door for women every where.
She will be greatly missed yet living on in our memories and her stories.
My condolences to the family and friends. My heart goes out to you during this dark time.
Godspeed. Maria
Iris R(fun2bwif) says
Mrs Woodiwiss Will always remain in my heart she is an inspiration to me I admire her work and everything about her. She will be greatly missed.
My deepest and sincerest heart felt condolesces goes to this family. this is a great loss. My prayers are with you.
God bless her may she rest in peace.
Dianna Rowley says
Reading her work was the start of a love affair that has never ended. She was the first romance author I ever read. She will be greatly missed by all. My heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Donna Birdsell says
I had the great fortune of meeting Ms. Woodiwiss at a writer’s conference in New Jersey several years ago, and was able to tell her she was the reason I began writing historical romance. I loved her books, and she couldn’t have been sweeter and more encouraging in person. I’m so grateful I got to meet her.
My heart goes out to her family in this difficult time.
Shirley T Hailstock says
Kathleen touched so many lives, even thouse she did not know. She was a wonderful lady who opened the world up to romance novelists. She penned some wonderful books and inspired many woman to write. Even more she gave them stories to remember.
Rest Kathleen. You are loved and will be missed.
Shirley Hailstock
Anne Walradt says
I enjoyed meeting Kathleen so much when she came to New Jersey for the Romance Writers Conference a few years ago and later in New Orleans at RWA. She was a complete delight to all of us. We will miss her.
Kayla Gray says
I’d like to send my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kathleen Woodiwiss. My dream of becoming a published romance writer came true just last summer. The first romance novel I ever read was SHANNA. Ms. Woodiwiss was a great inspiration to me. Her beautiful stories and characters drew me into a world I knew I wanted to be part of. She will live on in her books and in the hearts of all of us who loved and admired her.
Kayla Gray, New Hampshire
Dawn Hickerson says
I was saddened to hear of Ms. Woodiwiss’ passing. Her books were among the first I ever read as a young woman and instilled in me a love of substantial fiction, in all genres, for which I am eternally grateful. She had an art for storytelling as well as romance. She will be missed.
Dawn
Jenn S. says
To Ms. Woodiwiss’ family and friends,
I’m so very sorry for your loss… Ms. Woodiwiss touched the hearts and minds of not only millions of readers, but thousands of authors as well. She will be greatly missed, and I wish you and your family whatever peace you can find in these sad times.
Jenn
Diane Gaston says
Like so many others Kathleen Woodiwiss sparked my continuing love of historical romance. At the time of her service, Romance writers from all over the world will be gathering for the annual Romance Writers of America conference. You can bet Kathleen will be in our hearts as we celebrate the genre she pioneered.
My sincere condolences to the family; you have lost so much.
Tereasa Bellew says
Kathleen Woodiwiss has touched many lives with her ability to create believable and memorable characters in all her novels, leading millions of readers to fall head over heels in love. Since first reading “The Flame and the Flower” at thirteen, I’ve collected every hardback since, even managed to get an autographed copy.
The news of her passing fills me with grief for her family. To be without such a presence is unthinkable, but we must take comfort in the gifts she left behind. Her books shall live on forever. Truly an inspiring woman.
Tereasa Bellew
Maaike says
I am so sorry to hear this news, it has made me very sad.
Her books were the ones which brought me to love and collect historical novels. I have all her books and I still treasure them. I will always be thankful to her and she will be in my memory forever. She was an inspiration for many. She will not be forgotten.
My heart goes out to hear family in these difficult times, my sincere condolences.
I hope they find some strength in the fact that she will be missed by many all over the world.
Maaike
The Netherlands
Sara says
The news of mrs. Woodiwiss’ death has made me very sad.
Through her books I’ve learned to love and cherish history and historic novels. Without her, I never would have discovered other writers and I sure would have missed a lot of fun. She made my life more interesting and happy, just like she did for many readers.
My sincere condolences for her family and close friends. Losing someone you love is always painful, I hope that the fact she’ll always be alive trough her books helps a little bit.
Sara
Belgium
Anke Fontaine says
The worlds Kathleen Woodiwiss created in her books, the stories she told, the charcters she painted that will remain with us forever – and so will she, in our hearts.
My sincere condolences to the family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Anke Fontaine
Maria Ferrer says
My deepest condolences to the Woodiwiss Family. It is hard to lose a loved one. The only comfort to be found will be in the support and love of family and friends during this difficult time. And, the knowledge that Ms. Woodiwiss lives on…in her sons, her grandchildren, her fans.
God bless. Sincerely, Maria Ferrer, NYC
Maet says
In such circumstances it is very difficult to say something that can ease the pain of a loss such great, beside the usual condolences. I have no idea what Mrs Kathleen represented for others, though I can guess of course, I can only describe what she meant to me. I discovered romance just 3 years ago, while I was nursing my father in law who was dying of cancer and I discovered it because I bought one of her books, while before I was full of prejudices toward the genre. I read all Mrs Wodiwiss’s novels, her words, her stories, her wonderful characters, gave me joy, fun, enthusiasm, consolation, emotion. She made my life richer and therefore I will always thank her.
May she rest in peace, reunited to her beloved son, my prayers are and will be with her and with all of her family.
Maet Fracon
Italy
Jennifer St. Giles says
To the Family of Kathleen Woodiwiss,
My prayers are with you in this time of loss, but please know that Kathleen lives on not only in the magical stories she created but in those she inspired to write as well. She touched my heart. I will never forget her stories and hope that one day mine will be as magical and as unforgettable as her. She blessed my life.
Love
Jennifer St. Giles
Jan Crawford says
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I know how awful it is to lose a mother………..my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…….Ironically, my dear departed mom bought me my first Kathleen Woodwiss book and I have read and cherished each one. She inspired me to read and write and I hope I pass that on to my students………..I will miss her books…..
Blessings,
Jan
Melanie says
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I loved her stories and they will always remain. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts.
Jennifer Thor says
The first true romance novel I ever read was one of Kathleen’s, The Flame and the Flower. My grandma allowed me to read it even though my mother refused. I still read and love that book 17 years later. Kathleen’s characters and the love they expressed was perfection.
When my grandmother passed away a few years ago, I was able to receive your mother’s books and through them have been able to remember those special moments I shared with my grandma.
Kathleen will be missed by everyone who loved historical romance. Please accept my condolences and warm thoughts. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jennifer
Viv says
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Kathleen Woodiwiss. Her friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time of your lives.
Ms. Woodiwiss will live on forever in the stories that she created for the whole world to read.
Viv
Mary L. Tabatcher says
I absolutely fell in love with Kathleen’s books and, in fact, named my daughter Shanna because I so loved the independent nature of her character. My daughter has lived up to that name! I own copies of all the Woodiwiss books and still reread them regularly. We only knew her talent as a writer and will miss her for her contributions to that genre, but you knew her as a mother and friend. My most sincere condolences to your family.
Marla says
I will always remember Kathleen in my heart. Her novels were to say the least wonderful & I have read them many times over. Please accept my sincere condolences and her family is in my prayers.
Katie says
My deepest sympathies on the loss of a beloved Mother and Grandmother. I discovered these precious books while still in my early teens. Since the loss of my own husband from cancer, Shanna and Heather have given me strength to continue. The loss of such a gifted writer will be felt by those of us who cherished reading her books.
Karen Lampert says
I am deeply sadden to hear of the loss of my all time favorite author. I was a young girl when I discovered her books and was hooked, That was over 30 years ago. She brought such joy. I loved to get caught up in her stories. To have such an impact on so many lives of her fans is leaving her mark in this world for generations to come. When I think of her, I smile..What a gift she was to all who loved her. God bless.
Karen Lampert
Michigan
Sandy Moorman says
Sean and Heath and family,
I am so sorry about Aunt Erin’s passing. I will truly miss her weekly emails. She got me through many days after mom’s passing. I loved Aunt Erin dearly. In one of her last emails she said, I KNOW GOD IS GOOD. She is with him now.
Love to all of you,
Your cousin,
Sandy
Brandi says
The world has lost a great writer today. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful story teller. Kathleen could capture many a heart with her wonderful stories. She will live forever in the hearts of her adoring fans. I will miss her. My prayers are with the family in their time of grief.
Jan says
My heart is so deeply saddened. I love this lady and her beautiful writing. I have read everyone of her romance novels.
Truly mourning at this time. We will all miss her so deeply. My sincere condolences to the family.
Love
Jan
Bryanna Gist says
I’m sorry to hear about your loss and my prayers go out to her family. She’ll live on in the hearts of her readers, current and ones yet to pick up her works.
Angela Payne says
Summer of 1973 riding from Maryland to California with my parents in a Winnebago how many lovely scenes I must have missed because my nose was stuck in a book titled “The Flame and the Flower” I’ll never know. It didn’t matter because that book was a favorite memory of mine on our cross country trip. When I finished it I read it again. I remember going back to school the following September and the teacher asking us what books we read over the summer. When I listed my book I saw the smirk on her face. I didn’t quite understand it. I do now. She was smitten too. Then I read “Shanna”, another book I read more than once it so enthralled me. Although I haven’t remained a historical romance novel reader these books are forever in my mind and heart along with the name of the author, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I’d like to send my condolences to her family and freinds and to let them know that these books meant a lot to me. So much so that I remember them after all the years. My copy of “The Flame and the Flower” is on my bookshelf, yellowed with age, not read in I don’t know how long. I’m taking it off the shelf now and remember a part of my youth. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Angela Payne
Danielle Starr says
I want to give the family my most heartfelt condolences. I fell in love with her innovative writing style the first time my mother lent me her copy of Petals on the River which is still my favorite book by her.She gave her heroes and heroines strength of mind and character.Through her books I learned how to deal with adverse situations with charity and grace.She is gone but will never be forgotten because she lives on in our hearts and her writings.Thank you for sharing her with us.You will be in my prayers.
Tracy Hills says
My deepest condolences to the Woodiwiss family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gone but certainly not forgotten. Your legacy to us will remain forever Kathleen.
May the angels keep and guard you always.
Tracy
U.K
Val Florez says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. It was such a shock to hear of your mother’s passing. I always thought of her as immortal. The Flower and the Flame was the first romance book I ever read and have been reading them now for over 30 years.
Know that your mother’s spirit will live on in her books.
God Bless you all.
Val
Big Rock, TN
Jennifer Hart says
May God Bless you and yours during this difficult time. It is my heartfelt belief that Ms. Woodiwiss is in a much better place, with no deadlines, editors or constraint. Ms. Woodiwiss was the first writer of romance books I have ever read, and she still remains my absolute favorite. I believe that I am in my fifth set of her books, having reread them so many times I have worn out previous editions. I can’t imagine losing ones mother, but know that your family will remain in our prayers for a very long time. Good luck in your lives and endeavors and remember what a positive influence your mother was to the many fans and lives she touched through her words.
Peggy Markwood says
My condolence to your family in the death of Kathleen. I will miss her as a writer, but know you will miss her as a mother and grandmother. The first book of hers I read was “Shanna” and that was 30 years ago. I read it as my daughter was in the hospital for a month recovering from an appendectomy. She was 15 at the time and is now 45. I have read “Shanna” many times and was reading “So Worthy My Love” when I heard of Kathleen’s death.
Thank you for sharing your mother with us all. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Katherine says
My prayers and condolences to your family. Like so many others, I too was inspired and greatly influenced by your mother’s writing. Her “Rose in Winter” was my first and my favorite – an annual read for me for almost 20 years. Her gift for making us all believe in true love will be missed. Her passing will be keenly felt by so many. Please take some comfort in knowing how much influence she had in so many lives. Heaven has been enriched. God bless you.
Katherine Barnett
Amber Dye says
I am so very saddened by this new’s, she was a wonderful author and seemed to be a wonderful person from the thing’s i’ve heard and read. my heart goes out to her family and my prayer’s will be constant in hopes of getting them through there grief at this time.
I also want to thank her family for sharing her with us all here in the reading world, she gave us as much pleasure through her writing as i’m sure she did in your lives.
my best regards,
Amber Dye
Jewell and Sarah says
We are so sorry to hear of Sandy’s “Aunt Erin’s” death. She was a wonderful writer and we were surprised when our nephew’s wife told us she was Kathleen Woodiwiss’s niece. We have most of her books and were looking forward to the one Sandy said she was writing. We extend our sincere sympathy to all of her family.
Jewell Lewis and Sarah Buchanan
Mildred Boelter says
Dear Sean and Heath,
My heart and sincere condolences to you and your loved ones. Your mother and father were such wonderful freinds of mine. We shared some wonderful times together between her home and mine and the ranch. I’m blessed with all the memories that we made together. Your loss is great. May you find peace and solace in the bond that will always live on in your hearts.
Tammy Walters says
To the Woodiwiss family: May God be with you during this time and then after. I am a family member of Sandy Moormans and I have heard so much about Aunt Erin and actually had the pleasure of meeting her once or twice. Rest in peace and please know how much she was loved, and how much she has touched the souls of millions. My prayers are with the family now for “Aunt Erin” is taken care of in Heaven.
Love to All
Tammy Walters
Roxboro, NC
A. B. says
I am deeply saddened by the news of Ms. Woodiwiss’s death. Her books helped me develop an ongoing love of historical romance novels when I was young, and I feel it is partly because of her that I am writing romance today. All of the women in my family excitedly traded her books, reading and re-reading them for decades, and revered her for her talent. She will be dearly missed by more people than I think she would have ever believed. My most heartfelt sympathies to your family on the loss of this truly remarkable woman.
Regina says
Sean and Heath,
My condolences on the passing of your Mother. The news of her passing has sadden me greatly.
Your mother set a high standard with her books, few authors come close to that standard. She brought much joy to her readers. Many of us still have your Mom’s books on our “keeper” shevle.
I’m know Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is given William Shakespeare a lesson on how to write a great book.
Regina
Regina
Barb Lasante says
I wish to extend my condolence to the family of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. She was a great author and will be truly missed by this reader. Thank you for sharing her these many years with us – it takes time and commitment to write and raise a family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
joni says
sorry to hear about the death of one of the greatest writers even. i started reading her books when i was little and still to this day buy and read her books. she is one of the best. her books i collect so they stay in my collection. her writings will be sadly missed. my prayers are with you
Bobbie Askew says
I’m at a loss for words. I love all of your mother’s books and was always anxiously awaiting the next one. It is so difficult to loose one’s mother and she was so young too. May all your happy memories comfort you at this time and in the days to come. My sympathy to you also for your father and brother’s passings.