For all the money that e're I spent
I spent it in good company
And all the harm ther e're I've done
Alas it was to none but me

And all I've done for want of wit
To memory I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Goodnight, and joy be with you all

For comrades that e're I had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e're I had
Would wish me one more day to stay

But since it falls unto my lot
I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Goodnight and joy be with you all

The Parting Glass - Traditional

    Katie Peters - June 20, 1928 - January 12, 2000

In Remembrance

Speech-language pathologist Kathleen (Katie) Peters was an integral part in establishing speech and language services at Pasadena City College for twenty years.  An honored member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, possessing the Certificate of Clinical Competence, Katie was instrumental in establishing one of the first statewide training programs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants at PCC.  Her visionary program began in Fall 1999.

Katie received her BA at the University of California at Santa Barbara and her Master's degree at California State University, Los Angeles.  In addition to her California license granted to her by the Speech Pathology Board of Medical Examiners, Katie had teaching credentials in speech language pathology, speech arts and special education.

Prior to her work as a speech pathologist, Katie--well known for her Irish beauty, with, style and hats--did promotional work in New York.  Marrying Ben Peters and raising their daughter, she later switched hats (literally) and was employed as a speech pathologist with Pasadena Unified School District, an assistant professor and clinical supervisor at CSULA until coming to PCC to establish one of the largest and most successful community college speech and language programs serving individuals with brain injuries, fluency, voice, articulation and language disorders.

In 1981, Katie co-authored a book, "Clinical Practice for Speech-Language Pathologists in the Schools" which was published by Charles C. Thomas.  She also wrote articles for professional journals on topics concerning supervision and use of paraprofessionals in service delivery, and accent modification for  for ESL students.  She also presented perspectives on post rehabilitation educational opportunities for the Head-Injured at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

In addition to being a member of ASHA, Katie was a member of the California Speech Language Hearing Association, receiving the Outstanding Service Award in 1989;  the California Association of Post-Secondary Educators of the Disabled (where she was the state representative of CAPED from 1983-1987); Delta Kappa Gamma Society International; Zeta Phi Eta (Speech Arts Fraternity) and the Italian/American Scholarship Committee.

Extending her talents beyond the conventional clinical realm of most speech pathologists, Katie served as a speech coach to Pasadena's Tournament of Roses' Royal Court; she conducted study tours to Ireland and abroad; she developed the San Gabriel Valley Networking Group for Speech-Language Pathologists and conducted workshops on stuttering and communication at PCC.

Those of us who have studied with, received therapy from, worked alongside of, or been a friend to Katie Peters count ourselves truly lucky to have known this wonderful woman.  Her creative style, her Irish wit and humor, her warmth and desire to help students and professionals alike, her fondness for dolls, hats and any garage sale ongoing anywhere have all enriched us for having been in her presence.

PCC was truly fortunate to have had a professor and colleague and as good a friend as Kathleen Peters.