Obituary of Dorothy Kahl

DOROTHY KAHL, 79, died March 23, 2009 in Brunswick. She was born in Bridgeport, CT and attended local schools. Upon graduation from high school, she entered Tufts University majoring in music and receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Magna Cum Laude. Pursuing a professional career, she moved to New York City to work and continue her vocal studies. In 1955 she married Howard Kahl, also a musician. The couple auditioned for producer, Victoria Crandall, spending the next several years touring in her summer and winter stock productions. When Ms. Crandall opened the Brunswick Music Theater on Bowdoin College campus in 1959, they joined her resident company and returned for several seasons to perform in the musicals. While in New York City, Mrs. Kahl began work as a secretary in the Broadcasting and Film Commission of the National Council of Churches and soon assumed liaison production duties for the “Art of Living”, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s popular talk program on the NBC Radio Network. She also produced “Pilgrimage” on the ABC Radio Network, a 52-week program which featured interviews, panel discussions and sacred music, going on location with ABC personnel to record outstanding organists and choirs. While not a hymnologist, hymns were her favorite form of vocal expression, and she devoted many programs to them. In 1970 the Kahls moved permanently to Wiscasset. Until her retirement in 1995, she worked as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools, School Union #48 in Wiscasset. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset and sang in the choir for many years. She and her husband also led the carol singing at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. During her life she performed in more than 27 musicals and was soprano soloist in over 700 varied sacred and secular programs. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Bradford Post #54. Along with anything musical, she enjoyed reading and travel. Her favorite quotation was from the 17th Century, “Music washes away from the Soul the dust of everyday life.” Her husband predeceased her in 1991; also predeceased by her son Mark Kahl; her mother Mary Vanco and sister, Stephanic Vanco. She is survived by David Furbish of Wiscasset, her devoted companion of many years. On-line condolences may be placed at www.directcremationofmaine.com.