Obituary of Kathleen Ann Schlough

Kathleen Ann Schlough, of Trumansburg, NY passed away peacefully at the age of 65 with family by her side in the early morning of Friday, May 25th after a courageous battle with cancer. Kathy was born in Spangler, PA on August 26th, 1952 to James Blaine Byers Jr. and Ann Capetanidis Byers. Kathy is survived by her son Colin Hinkley (Charlotte), brother James Byers (Kathy), brother Michael Byers (Linda), sister Suzanne Black (Merle), brother Chris Byers (Mary Jane), daughter in-law Suzie Brache (Juan), son in-law Peter Schlough, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Kathy is predeceased by her sister Mary Elizabeth (Byers-Flynn).

Kathy was a caring, selfless, talented, and incredibly intelligent person who dedicated her life to treating children with disabilities in the field of pediatric physical therapy. Kathy gained her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh 1974, after which she followed her Greek heritage while living abroad in Athens for a few years. Always seeking to learn, when she returned to the states Kathy continued her education with a Masters in Developmental Disabilities at Long Island University and then a Doctorate in Pediatric Rehabilitation at Rocky Mountain University.

After finishing her Masters degree in the early 1980's, Kathy settled down in the Ithaca area where she began working at the Special Children's Center (now the Franzisca Racker Center). Over the next several decades, she remained at the forefront of the pediatric physical therapy career field. In addition to continuing her work at the Racker Center, she ran her own private practice and worked at Cayuga Medical Center. In the mid 90's, Kathy began working as a Professor of Physical Therapy at Ithaca College where she was a key figure in building the college's Doctoral Physical Therapy program. Kathy was a dedicated soul who loved her students. Despite her battle with cancer, she insisted on continuing teaching and leading research at Ithaca College up until a few weeks before her death.

When not working, Kathy enjoyed spending time with family, traveling to the beaches of Sanibel Island, FL and volunteering with hospice as a physical therapist. A prolific artist, Kathy painted and drew over 100 pieces of art and was a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. She often incorporated her love of Feng Shui with her illustrations.

A memorial service celebrating Kathy's life with family, friends and colleagues will be held June 16th at 10:00am outside the Racker Center, 3226 Wilkins Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Racker Center in Kathy's name.

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