Kathleen “Kate” M. Kane, 68, of Lincoln, died Jan. 15. Kane worked at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, most recently as librarian/media specialist, for 34 years.
Kane started working at the university on Aug. 24, 1984. As a supervisor, Kane was dedicated to the diversity and growth of her student workers.
“Many of her student employees have come back to campus to visit and would stop by specifically to see Kate,” said Richard Graham, an associate professor in the University Libraries and Kane’s supervisor since 2007. “To many, she was a highlight of their academic careers here at Nebraska.”
Her family of students helped Kane grow a collection of postcards, pictures and mementos from countries around the world.
“Her kindness and gentleness fostered strong relationships,” Graham said. “Kate became a mother to many who had none or were too far away from an actual parent.”
Kane was born Jan. 10, 1951, to John Raymond and Frances Kathleen (Emberton) Kane, in Lincoln.
She is survived by: sisters, Mary Kane Abbott, Elizabeth Kane Parmele, and Christine Kane-Finn; nephews, Suha Peng, John Finn, Ryan Finn; and brother-in-law, Shyh-Te Peng. Kane was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margie Kane; and brother-in-law, Jack Abbott.
A celebration of life is being planned by the family and will be announced. Memorials are requested to the family for future designation to causes related to animals, literacy and women.
