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.
Wendy Young says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your mother with those of us who loved her books, and the magical way she told a love story. No one will ever compare, as far as I’m concerned.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Isabelle says
I was with great sadness that I learned of Ms. Woodiwiss’ death. I was enthralled by her books, and I read every one. Her passing is a great loos to all that loved this genre. My condolences to her family and friends.
Reenie says
I was only 13 years old when I read my first adult book, SHANNA. That was my introduction to Kathleen Woodiwiss. Although I learned much from that story, my favorite was WOLF AND THE DOVE. It started my interest in history which persists today. Much of what I know about the middle ages and the Norman Conquest came from her book!
I will miss her and her wonderful stories. God Bless her family and bring them comfort in this time of sorrow.
Cindy says
My heart is broken; I just heard about Kathleen Woodiwiss’s passing. My first book of hers was The Flame and The Flower and I was elated to discover another book right around the same time, which was to become my favorite of hers – The Wolf and The Dove. I read all of her books and felt as if she never let her readers down and she never belittled her field. She will be missed by so many….family, friends and her millions (I’m sure) of fans all over the world.
Cindy C.
Fran says
So sorry for your family. Your mother’s books were so enjoyable and are “keepers” for me. I always looked forward to her novels.
Whitney says
mrs.woodwiess was one of the greatest authers of our time not just for her romance writing but for her imagnation and heart as well. she will be missed greatly and many tears will flow with her passing. i wish the family my deepest condolances and god bless you all
Margie says
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a beautiful and talented individual. There are not enough words in the English language to express the many thanks that I owe her for taking me out of my mundane and sometimes troubled life and allowing me to live for a brief period in the magical world of her imagination. The first book of hers that I read was Shanna and have been an avid fan since that time. So much so my youngest bears the name Shanna in tribute to her. This world is a sadder place without this fine lady.
susan roberts says
I was very sorry to hear of your mother’s death. Like so many of her readers I have all of her novels and have enjoyed reading them for many years. My favorite book of all time is Ashes In The Wind. Your mother will be greatly missed.
Norma says
To the Woodiwiss Family:
I just learned about the death of your beloved mother this morning via newspaper. I am so saddened to read about it. Your mom’s writings were simply wonderful. She filled a much needed void in my life and restored my faith in marriage and commitment. May the Lord’s love embrace you and may you be strengthened when you cannot abide and may He comfort you as only He knows how. Norma
Marsha says
Words cannot expresses the deep sadness I felt on hearing of the loss of not only a great writer but a loving mother, grandmother and friend. As many others have stated, she became my benchmark for a well written and memorable story. How very saddened I was to hear of your multiple loss. She will be remembered in the hearts of many. Gain strength from the many memories you shared.
Marsha
NY
Karen says
To the Family of Ms Woodiwiss: Someone on the internet recommended TF&TF to me and even sent me a copy. Thus I was introduced to romance books and best of all to your wonderful mother. I have all her books and have reread them numerous times; at least once a year, I read TF&TF and TW&TD. My sincere condolences on your loss but many thanks for sharing her with me.
Robert L. Vandegrift says
The Candle Lighter
I remember the day when we were transported back into time as we approached the place. It was sort of like a plantation and appeared to be a home like the one I had seen many years before in Gone With the Wind. It was in Alexandria, Louisiana and we were greeted at the door by Kathleen.
Kathleen Woodiwiss lit many candles during her lifetime and will continue to do so through the words she has written. They will continue to be read by the old and young and new.
I want to offer a different thought about Kathleen that her readers don’t know because she was a private person. Family knows extended family close friends. Perhaps, some who aren’t so close.
Perhaps, some doctors know though they probably don’t understand all that took place during that day early in 2004 because it was to be her last day and family and friends came to say goodbye but a miracle was in the making.
This was the day when with a divine match she lit a candle within herself.
We dont understand why we have been afforded a miracle but it is a very, very special gift and with it, upon hearing of it, comes the hope by another that they, too, may receive such a blessing.
In addition to the history and romance she wrote about there is the unwritten romance of hope she gave to some with cancer who learned of her miracle. This is a special legacy.
The miracle candle of hope is important and I will do what I can to keep this legacy of Kathleen alive.
Robert L. Vandegrift
judy rothermel says
i was so sad to hear of Kathleen’s passing away. she was a great author. when i started one of her books it was so diffucult to lay down. May God bless you all.
judy rothermel says
i was so sad to hear of Kathleen’s passing . she was one of my favorite authors. God bless you all.
Dawn says
My condolences to the Woodiwiss family.
My first introduction to Kathleen Woodiwiss was when I read The Flame and The Flower and I was hooked on her books from then on. It may have been about 20 years ago I met her at a book signing here in Illinois.
I was thrilled to say the least.
My prayers go out to her family at this time of great sadness.
May God bless you all.
Nancy says
My big sister gave me my first romance novel when I was 20 years old. The Flame and the Flower. I still remember the tingle when I read the first paragraph. I knew this was a great author. It has been read and reread many times over the years. It is my all time favorite novel and I am an avid reader of fiction, non-fiction.. “everything”. I have loved all of Ms. Kathleen’s writings. What a gift she had. I am now 51 years old. My big sister died of cancer also 6 years ago. It makes me smile to think about one of her little sayings I heard so many times over the years as our lives went on. When describing a guy or one of our daughter’s or niece’s new boyfriends, ultimately she would throw her hands up and say…well Brandon Birmingham he isn’t!
Kathleen Woodiwiss brought such hope and comfort. She made me believe in true love and happily ever after. She made us feel we knew the characters in her novels. She gave us fine examples of graciousness and strength. I am sure she could never imagine the lives she touched. My deepest sympathy to her family. She will always be in our hearts.
Wanda Maynard says
Anyone who read her work is saddened at this time. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss was a great author of one of the best genres I have ever read. Historical Romance was one of my favorites. Her characters were so real. She made you feel that there was always true happiness out there. All you had to do to find it was read one of her books. My prayers go with her family. She will be missed.
Judy says
Sincere condolences on the passing of a wonderful author, and from what I can gather, a wonderful person. I pray for peace for Ms. Woodiwiss – and for her family.
April Gant says
I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. She, to me, is the best romance novelist I have ever read. I first began reading her books in January of this year and have read all of them. Please accept my deepest condolences in your loss. I recently lost my grandfather. He was a great story teller. I hope to one day publish his stories. May God give you strength in you loss.
Sincerely,
April Gant
Mississippi
Sheila N. Eskew says
Kathleen E Woodiwiss was one of the most imspiring authors of Romance novels I have ever read. If any author has influence me the most it was she. Having always HOPED to meet her, that of course is not going to be possible. I have many of her books and ONE hardback copy of The Wolf and The Dove which I treasure. My condolences to her family and my prayers are with her and them. She will always live in my heart.
Sheila
Rhea Sullivan says
I read The Flame and the Flower when I was 15. I was an voracious reader and very inquisitive about what romance and love were about (probably because I was an insecure young writer).
I probably read the Flame and the Flower and the Wolf and the Dove 30 or 40 times between the ages of 15 and 30. I believe I found the name Brianna (wasn’t Heather Simmons’s middle name Brianna and her mother was referred to as “Brenna?) in the Flame and the Flower. I decided at 15 that I wanted to name my daughter Brianna. My daughter Brianna is almost 21 today.
I went on to write romance myself (though I have yet to publish in the romance genre). I also went on to join RWA in Minneapolis and in 1993 was the President of Midwest Fiction Writers (the local RWA chapter). Many of my friends in the group have distinguished themselves as writers of romance and more… (Susan Johnson, Julie Kistler, Leandra Logan — to name a few).
Though none of my romance work has seen the light of day — those were valuable years and lessons. Since leaving RWA, I have become known as a history writer/editor (I was part of a team that put together the Linden Hills History book: Down At the Lake: A History of Linden Hills and the Lake Harriet District. I have been working on a huge book/screenplay for the past 15 years and am beginning to move toward production of a short film that is the exposition for the story.
Kathleen was an inspiration to Minnesota writers with a romantic bent and I wish I had been able to meet her to let her know how much her work meant to me as a young woman and as a wife and mother who needed a romantic escape…
All my best regards to the family. I lost my mother on April 2, 2007. so I truly understand what a huge loss it is for you (and for the world.)
Your Very Truly,
Rhea Sullivan
Minneapolis
Jenn S. says
I adored Kathleen Woodiwiss’ novels. Until I came across The Flame and the Flower and Ashes in the Wind, I didn’t really consider the romance novel genre to contain true literature. She certainly opened my eyes, though, especially with how she blended fiction with history so seemlessly. Her characters were complex and memorable. I currently own (and re-read over and over) several of her books. What a great storyteller she was…she will be missed.
God bless.
Jenn S., Brooklyn, NY
Julie W says
Ms. Woodiwiss was an Author I adored. My first novel I ever read was The Wolf and the Dove and still to this day, I have never consummed a novel so fast. I have faithfully read every one of her novels that were nothing less then Fantastic! And when she would publish a new one, it felt like Christmas to me. I couldn’t get to the book store fast enough to purchase it. I will miss her novels and I will cherish the ones that I have and God Bless her family in this hard time. Julie
Kris Sutter says
Dear Friends and Family of Ms. Woodiwiss,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. The first romance novel I ever read was the Flame and the Flower and I have been an avid romance reader ever since. I am forever grateful to Ms. Woodiwiss for introducing me to my lifelong passion. with the romance genre.
Sincerely,
Kris Sutter
Peggy McBee says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my mom this past October and it was so difficult. Your mother was a gifted and talented writer. The first romance novel I ever read was The wolf and the dove. I was hooked. I was in my late teens and I could not put her books down. My rapt attention to that book got my mom to reading it and another addict was born. I still have that original copy of The wolf and the dove as well as The flame and the Flower. It gave mom and I some great and enjoyable times. Dad was stationed in Korea so it was just us girls. A perfect day to us was a cold drizzle of rain,a hot pot of tea and one of your mom’s books. I shall miss her but she gave me some great memories of my own mom. For that she has a special place in my prayers and heart.
JUDY SPEAKMAN says
MY CONDOLENCES TO KATHLEEN’S FAMILY & FRIENDS. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL WRITER/AUTHOR. THE FLAME & THE FLOWER WAS THE 2ND ROMANCE NOVEL I READ IN MY LONG HISTORY OF READING THEM. SHE TRULY WAS GIFTED & SHE WILL BE MISSED. wa-tsi hi-a a-ni-no A-qe-yv de ha-hna (Watch the stars, she is there).. Judy Speakman
Norma Jean Myers says
I read my first book by Kathleen in 1972 and became a huge fan of hers ever since. She was the first romance writer I ever read and I loved her work. Actually, I think I still have my first copy of The Flame and the Flower in my house somewhere. I am so sorry to hear of your mothers’ passing. She will be greatly missed. She leaves a legacy of countless hours of enjoyment for so many people. God Bless You.
Karen L. Cooke says
My sincere condolences to the family on your loss of Kathleen.
My husband and I married in 1972 and Flame and the Flower was one of the first books I read when I started reading. I so loved that book that when I gave birth to my daughter in ’81 that I named her Heather. She always tells people that I named her after somebody in some romance book. I never could get my daughter to read the book or she would have understood why.
Readers will definitely miss Ms. Woodiwiss as much as her family will.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Sincerely, Karen L. Cooke Texas
Nicola J Howell says
As a fan from the Uk, I was vey saddened to learn of the death of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. She was a truly wonderful novelist who broke the mould. Where would we all be today with her classic romance novel’s.
I wish to pass on my condolences to her Son, Daughter-in-law, Grandchildren, Sisters and her friends. I am so sorry that this awful disease robbed you of your loved one. My thoughts and those of countless other fans are with you at this distressing time.
Nicola J Howell
W Wales
UK
Elizabeth Hoyt says
THE WOLF AND THE DOVE was the very first historical romance I ever read. I would read bits and pieces of it while at a friend’s house (it was her mother’s book.) I LOVED that book! Later I was able to read the rest of Ms. Woodiwiss’s books, and I became quite hooked on reading romance and historical romance in particular. Kathleen Woodiwiss will be deeply missed by her readers. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Haydee Isabelle says
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family. Ms. Woodiwiss wrote many fascinating books which I very much enjoyed. I have read all of her books. She will be greatly missed.
Ellen Dolnick says
I am so sorry to hear of Kathleen’s death.
The very first book in the Romance field was The Flame and the Flower and I was hooked.
I was awaiting the new novel I heard she was writing and hope that it still will be published.
I know Kathleen will be missed by all her loyal readers and my sympathy to her family.
Ellen Dolnick
Deanne Jacobsen says
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss started me on the road to romantic fiction years ago and was a wonderful writer. She will be greatly missed.
Julia says
I send my sincerest condolences to your family during this sad time. During a sad time of my own, my cousin lent me three Romance novels and one of them was ‘So Worthy, My Love’. I fell in love with the genre and with reading all over again. Even after many years and many novels, I still claim ‘Shanna’ as my favorite. Ms. Woodiwiss truly changed my life through her brilliant works of fiction. She will forever live on through the works she created, and the family that she so obviously adored.
Vicky Ley says
I do not understand why not one news network informed the public of the passing of a woman who touched so many lives.I will never forget the first book I ever picked up and read (out pleasure, not for college)”The Flame and the Flower”. That was in 1975 and I have never stopped reading since. thank you to the family of Kathleen E.Woodiwiss for allowing all of us “fans” a very small piece of such a talented and wonderful Author. I send you my prayers, condolences and deepest sympathy to you all. I understand your grief all too well. My only hope to you is that you will know how very much she encouraged so many people to read and that she will be remembered for a lifetime and more.
Julie Welcheck says
A great writer was lost. My God receiver her into his hands and bless her. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Pam Rhine says
I will miss your mother/wife books very miust. She wroth a love story that you could care about. my prey are with you at this time and know she was well love by all
Mary Ann Keilen says
To the Family of Ms. Woodiwiss:
I would like to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother, Ms. Kathleen Woodiwiss. The Flame and the Flower was the very first novel I ever read and it has forever stayed in my heart and mind. Even through I never met Ms. Woodiwiss, she will certainly be missed by myself and anyone who has ever read one of her novels. Thank you for sharing her with us over the last twenty years.
Carol says
The first historical romance I ever read was The Wolf and The Dove in 1974 and it remains one of my all time favorites. It was given to me by a co-worker at the hospital I worked as a brand new nurse. That book started my thirty-three year love affair with historical romance that continues today. Kathleen Woodiwiss lead the way in the 70’s and will be deeply missed by those of us who loved her books. To her family I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers. Historical romance has lost one of it’s greatest stars.
Claudia Nelson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My favorite book of all time is The Wolf and The Dove. After reading many books I will go back and read Mrs Woodiwiss books over and over again. All of her books are Keepers.
donna greenlee says
AS A YOUNG TEENAGE GIRL I READ KATHLEENS FIRST BOOK. OVER MANY YEARS I HAVE READ AND REREAD EVERY ONE OF THE BOOKS SHE WROTE. MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO YOU.WE WILL MISS HER AS ONE OF THE BEST ROMANCE WRITERS AS WELL AS A PIONEER IN ROMANCE GENRE BOOKS. KATHLEEN WILL REMAIN IN THE HEARTS OF HER READERS THROUGH HER BOOKS. THANKS FOR SHARING HER WITH US.
Nikki Hilton says
I am so sorry for your loss. I bought The Flame and The Flower in 1972 as I was leaving my hometown for college. Having that book to read and reread helped bridge the gap from high school to college. It was like having an old and trusted friend to come home to and I will always be grateful for the comfort it provided. I’ll never forget the wonder and awe I felt when I read that book, and subsequently, the others that followed.
She will be sorely missed by her readers and fans.
Lucy Di Genova says
almost 20 yeras ago I discovered romance books through a wonderful book called Shanna and although I’ve read many more anyone was so perfect romance like that one. Thanks Mrs Woodiwiss you gave me many many wonderful moments with your talent and inspiration.
Lucy Di Genova
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Alyssa Zachow says
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss was one of the greatest romance writers of all time! Her first book, A rose in winter, is still my all time favorite. She inspired me to write, to polish my skills, to someday reach her caliber, but who can?
I offer my condolences to the family for Kathleen will be sorely missed by her devoted fans. I offer my prayers.
Peace and love to you all!
Dianne Rivers says
Kathleen wrote the best novels! Reading her made me want to write. So I did! You have my deepest sympathies on your loss. We will all miss her and mourn her passing.
Leilani Smith says
THe Flame and the Flower was the first romance novel I read. My Mom had purchased the paperback book the summer of ’72. I can still see myself laying across my bed reading it. It was the first time I had heard the name Brandon and fell in love with that name. I read all Kathleen’s books after the Flame and Flower. That book changed the way I read the rest of my life. I am so sorry to hear Kathleen passed away.
Kathy Hariri says
I still have my original copies of The Flame and the Flower and The Wolf and the Dove, although they are somewhat the worse for wear after numerous re-readings of each book. I remember how all the women in the office were talking about this book and spreading the word on how great it was, until it seemed everyone was reading it. I still remain hooked on romance books and thank Kathleen for her many wonderful contributions to the genre. She will be missed greatly by her readers.
Kathleen Beck says
I still have my original copies of The Flame and the Flower and The Wolf and the Dove from 1972 & 1974, although they are somewhat the worse for wear after numerous re-readings of each book. Kathleen Woodiwiss got me hooked on the romance genre and I have never missed one of her books since that time and will keep them always. She will be greatly missed and I would like to extend my sympathies to her family.
B L Roberts says
Kathleen Woodiwiss was my initiation for my “current” and “continuing” library with “The Flame and the Flower” with thanks to my mother-in-law who could not find the book to pass on to me so I had to buy it myself. My daughter’s first name is from the main character and my son would have followed through except my mother-in-law had trouble with all of the “B” names already in the family; however I do have a brother with the middle name of Clayton (not from the book). I believe that I have all of Kathleen’s books and in the beginning I would haunt the book stores to see when the next one would come out. I received “Shanna” for my first mother’s day gift. “A Rose in Winter” is still a “favorite” favorite that I like to re-read every so often. I forget which book I had to hide when we moved to our current address because I would have started to read it and would not put it down. Once we moved, I did read it from beginning to end in one day into night finishing early in the morning. I am eagerly looking forward to her “last” book and will greatly miss her contributions to the literary world. Thank you.
LORI LADUCA says
THE FLAME & THE FLOWER WAS MY FIRST BOOK THAT I READ OF KATHLEEN’S. IT WAS MY FAVORITE AND I REREAD IT OFTEN. IT MADE ME CRAVE MORE ROMANCE NOVELS TO READ. I HAVE EVERY BOOK KATHLEEN EVER PUBLISHED BECAUSE I KNEW I WOULD READ A GREAT STORY. SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE AUTHOR. I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT HER PASSING AND KNOW SHE WILL BE MISSED.
LORI
STATEN ISLAND, NY