Obituary of Kathryn VanBuskirk

Kathryn Holland "Kay" VanBuskirk, age 95 of North Mankato, died of complications from cancer on October 19, 2022.  She was born in Providence, RI, to Richard H. and Olive Jean (Wallace) Holland.  Kay attended Pembroke College and graduated from Brown University.  She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut and completed PhD coursework at the Fielding Institute. In addition, she received training both as a psychotherapist and a Family Life Educator.  In her career Kay was employed by family service and mental health agencies in Boston, Pittsburgh, Dayton, and Duluth where she functioned as a clinician, supervisor, consultant and program developer.  On moving to Mankato, she joined the faculty of the Social Work Department at Minnesota State University as Fieldwork Coordinator.  In addition, she maintained a private marriage and family practice in partnership with her husband.  Kay gave generously of her time and expertise on both the professional and community levels.  She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Certified Social Workers.  She served on the Minnesota Chapter, NASW Board of Directors and was a longtime member of its Committee on Inquiry.  She was a past president of the Minnesota Conference on Social Work Education, a past member of the Region IX MN Social Service Association Board of Directors and the Community Liaison Committee of the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center.  Locally she focused on her special interests in women’s and children’s issues.  She served on the YWCA Board of Directors and the YMCA Youth Advisory Committee. She completed the Leadership Mankato program and served on a number of civic and community task forces and committees.  She was a past member of the Mankato Business and Professional Women’s Club and a charter member of the Mankato Zonta Club serving at the Local, Area and District levels.  She was active in Mankato Area Lifelong Learners and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.  Kay received the Mankato Area Service to Youth Award in 1977 and 1988.  She also received a YWCA Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.  She is survived by two sons from her first marriage, James B. and Erik P. Moore (Tom Liberty), and her sister, Jean Foxman of Beachwood, OH.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles.  A Memorial Service will be held on November 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato, 937 Charles Ave., Mankato, with a reception after the service.  Memorials may be given to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship or to Mankato Area Lifelong Learners.