Gracious. Determined. Modest. Courageous. Lover of life. True friend. These are but a few of the words used by friends to describe Kathy Kirschbaum. Kathy, who died last Thursday night, was a community leader, a great supporter of the local arts community, and a trusted friend to many, many people.

She was a stalwart Democrat who was a model of what it means to live one's values. Kathy was the first woman mayor of Davenport; indeed she was the first woman mayor of a city of any notable size in the country. It is difficult for younger people to appreciate how remarkable this was in 1971. It would be not unlike the election of woman president today. And it was a contentious campaign, with much vitriol directed toward the idea of electing a woman to that post. Kathy had already achieved the landmark of being the first woman alderperson in Davenport, and she was an inspiration to many young women as she stepped into her role with grace and the courage of her convictions.

Thom Hart remembers that Kathy was attacked in the mayoral campaign because of her involvement in peace work. She was accused by her opponents of being unpatriotic. (How little have things changed.) Yet her "I Like Kathy" bumper stickers and her hard work led to the highest voter turnout for a city election in city history.

Joanne Roslansky recalls how hard Kathy worked on her first campaigns, going door to door. She believes Kathy attracted people because she was so capable and because she was relentless in her efforts. She focused like a laser on the issues that mattered to her. Joanne asked her once if it didn't bother her to be attacked by her opponents, and Kathy said, "No, it makes me feel like I must be getting something done."

Hart, who worked on all of her early campaigns and served two years as alderman in her last two years as mayor, recalls that she came from a different place than previous politicians and mayors - that is, not from a business model. He describes her as a pioneer, a woman and leader who was moved by and interested in ideas.

She was an activist in early efforts in the Quad Cities for racial justice and remained active on Davenport's affirmative-action committee until she went into nursing care in the very recent past. She appointed Ralph Beal, the first black city attorney. She stood up for her beliefs in a direct but always civil way.

Her old friend Tom Higgins reminds us how much she was involved at the national level in issues of real importance. After she was elected, Kathy quickly became a highly visible spokesperson for the Conference of Mayors and League of Cities on the major urban debates of the time, including housing and planning. She was an advocate for cities, and was frequently asked to testify in front of Congress.

Kathy was involved in efforts against the Vietnam war long before that was a popular position. She was also one of the most noted peace activists among elected city officials in America. She went to Paris in support of the peace talks within six months of her election - a courageous move for which she took some grief. According to Higgins, Kathy never lost sight of the big picture. She understood that the issues of importance to the city were inextricably linked to the global community, long before that became a slogan.

Her secretary, Wilma Hauser, was always struck by Kathy's refusal to allow the ugliness of political attacks on her to affect her, recalling that she almost seemed impervious to them. Kathy never became bitter or vindictive in return. Wilma recalls that Kathy was criticized for appointing a city manager during her terms as mayor. City managers were very new at that time, and the council would only let the manager have the title of "administrative assistant." Of course, since then, city managers have become the norm for cities. Kathy was a real visionary. As Thom Hart notes, she showed us a new way to handle oneself in the public arena.

After leaving city hall, Sue Witte reports that John Shenk, the former CEO of First Federal Savings & Loan, hired Kathy. Having noted the effectiveness of Kathy's dealings on civil-rights issues, he wanted someone with her skills in his personnel department, and she worked hard and well for First Federal.

All who knew her know well her passion for bike riding. She laid the groundwork for the Duck Creek Recreational Trail in Davenport, where a memorial to her was recently dedicated at Hickory Grove and Hillandale. I join those who call for the bike path to be renamed in her honor. One often saw her riding up and down Main Street going to work at city hall and First Federal.

Kathy left city hall, but she never left politics and social action, or community service. She was a dedicated supporter of the arts, serving as a board member of the original Quad City Arts. She was in attendance at every local cultural event, including music, art exhibits, and theatre, right up until she could no longer leave the nursing home. Vera French Mental Health Center honored her for her years of committed service on behalf of the mentally ill. In her retirement, she traveled and rode her bike all over the world.

Throughout her life, she was humble and modest to a fault. She saw the work she did as simply her obligation to be of service and to promote social and racial justice. She took no credit for herself, and I don't believe she ever fully appreciated the scope of her influence or the import of her accomplishments.

She was more concerned with simply living life as fully as possible.

When she became aware of her need to move from her home and prepare to find living arrangements that would provide her the support she would need in her last years, she faced the difficult changes with her amazing grace and acceptance. She was determined to live as fully as she could for as long as she could and with the help of friends she remained socially connected to the community right up until the day she entered nursing care. She never complained about what was happening to her, despite her frustrations about losing her car, and the ultimate restrictions of her illness.

Kathy was a very private person and did not share easily the challenges she was facing. She did not believe that anyone needed to know, because she would not allow her difficulties to affect her joy of living.

Kathy told me repeatedly over the last years that she would make the best of the time that was left to her, and she did. She enjoyed her visits with her old friends, even when communication became difficult. She loved taking a walk outside and loved the simple acts of listening to the birds, feeling the sunshine on her face, and seeing the flowers in bloom. She was ultimately a great lover of life. She taught us well how to work actively in service of our beliefs and our community, how to appreciate every moment, and how to live fully as long as one is alive.

Kathy Kirschbaum left an imprint on this community that will endure for years to come.

A memorial service for Kathy Kirschbaum will be held on Saturday, April 23, at 1 p.m., at the Davenport Unitarian Church.

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