Obituary of Kathryn Helen Giddings

Kathryn Helen (Reid) Giddings passed away on June 7, 2019 in Brooklyn Center at 88 years. She was born on July 22, 1930 in Duluth, MN to John and Charlotte Reid. Kathy graduated from Denfeld High School in 1948 and the University of MN Duluth in 1951 with a B.S. in Music, where she met her future husband Rodney Giddings Jr. Their combined love of music guided them into marriage on September 6, 1951, celebrating 68 years together. Kathy grew up in a musical family. Her parents hailed from Edinburgh, Scotland. She enjoyed performing with musical siblings Jack on accordion and Margaret Ann providing vocals. Her love of music molded her life as a professional musician playing pipe organ, piano and keyboards and also as a music teacher. Her organ career began at First Presbyterian Church at 18 and continued to Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Duluth. After the family moved to Brooklyn Center, she was organist at Robbinsdale United Church of Christ for 10 years. She often played celebration of life services, weddings, special holiday programs, musical theater, youth and adult community vocal choirs. In 1998, she was honored for her 50 years of music with a surprise "celebration" party. She still continued to play piano for special occasions at Maranatha’s senior community. Her major joy in life was spending time with her children, grand-children and great grandchildren. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Rodney Giddings; daughters Debra Giddings (Kenny Halvorsen) and Cheryl Puleston (Chuck); sons Brian Giddings (Alexa) and Gregg Giddings; grandson, Scott Anderson and great-grandson Sammy Anderson, grandsons, Brett Giddings and Reid Giddings, granddaughter Heidi Martinson and great-grandchildren Aneleise, Paul and Anika; step granddaughter Nikki Hernandez and step great-granddaughter Alicea Hernandez; step grandson Charlie Puleston; sister Margaret Reid and nieces and nephews and their families. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jack and infant daughter Laurie Ann Giddings (1953). Memorial Celebration on Fri., Aug. 2, 2019. Visitation 10 A.M., Service 11 A.M. at Robbinsdale United Church of Christ, 4200 Lake Road, Robbinsdale MN 763-537-6965. Memorials suggested to RUCC, Organ Fund. Private Inurnment in Park Hill Cemetery, Duluth MN