Katherine Sewell

Katherine Ann Sewell, (Kathy),age 84, died peacefully at her residence in Taos, New Mexico on May 3, 2022. An only child born to Ruth (Jones) and Lawrence Kinnamon in Grinnell, IA., Katherine received a BA in journalism and a Master’s degree in Engineering. Her career led her to work for Hewlett-Packard, taking many trips to other countries, especially China. She embraced Chinese culture and arts, retiring in 2002.

Living most of her adult life in Minnesota, when she retired she studied shamanic energy healing refining her skills for 18 years before moving to New Mexico.  She  practiced tai chi daily and studied belly dancing.

Guided by her spirit animals, Wolf and Raven, Katherine came to Taos in 2014, where she felt safe and found spiritual sanctuary from her former life. She became more attuned to her skills as a healer and took pride in her craft performing countless energy cleansings throughout the years at no charge to those who needed her help. It was another way she could give back.

Katherine also continued her work with crochet, needle point and knitting. Her Taos friends generously received handmade mittens, socks and scarves, all meticulously made.

Katherine made many friends at the Town of Taos senior water aerobics class.  She valued the benefits of movement and began teaching tai chi at her home. As more friends became interested in sharing her practice, they approached the Taos Youth and Family Center about space for tai chi at no cost, an available to anyone. In 2014, she began teaching tai chi weekly. Rarely missing a day, she taught for eight years and moved outdoors during Covid. A friend filmed her classes to share with for those who could not attend.

Even in her 80’s, Katherine had a strong body and sharp mind due to her practices. She supported the arts through Millicent Rogers Museum, where she met local Native American artists. Her spiritual connection to them and their work called her to support and befriend many of them. A high achiever, Katherine slowed down in Taos yet still retained her high moral and ethical values of love and acceptance for all . Once you met her, she was your friend and there was nothing you couldn’t ask of her that she would not do. 

In the last years of her life, Katherine took in a roommate, Cait, a large and loving, devoted canine companion, now the the center of her life at home, and a walking companion and forever friend. Cait passed over in her arms in 2021.

Katherine is survived by her daughters, Diane Meissner and Karen Gibson of Minnesota; her best friend, Shawn Gellert, her many friends from tai chi/ water aerobics classes and her friends from Taos Pueblo. She will be memorialized by her close friends in June and her ashes will be scattered on Taos Mountain,in the fall.

A memorial fund will be established in her memory at the Millicent Rogers Museum. Additonal donations may be made to support the artists of Taos Pueblo, Taos Visitors Center and Lyle’s Creations.

She would want us to remember her by following the tenets of The Five Agreements: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, always do your best and be skeptical while listening. A woman beloved by everyone whose lives she touched, Katherine will be deeply missed.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com