Katelyn Lois Bomberry - Born January 22nd 2007
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By: Howard Bonner
For the past eight years, Lois sang and played with her husband Bill, and also, for the past four years, with brother, Len Heatherington. Lois was an earthly, soulful voice in the old style of Wilma Lee Cooper or maybe Pearl Butler, and she had a true love of entertaining and brightening the mood of her audience. Last April she and Bill performed for the Winter Getaway spring concert for the Thousand Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society. Then the first weekend in June, Echo Mountain was again on the band lineup for the Thousand Islands Bluegrass Festival. She sang "Plant Some Flowers By My Graveside" and spoke of a 'friend' who was dying, a friend who had said, "Live your life as if it is your last day." "Enjoy every day, every person, and every moment." After her last set on Sunday, she was sitting, visibly ill, behind the stage in a chair, her husband with his hand on her shoulder, both thinking they were out of view. Although we weren't supposed to know, some of us did learn that weekend that she had pancreatic cancer. The cancer spread, as she knew radiation would only delay the inevitable. Her painkiller was music, and she continued to perform all summer long. Towards the end, the fight was there, but the body wasn't. She had the zest in her voice, but the power was waning. She sang her gospel songs and looked to the heavens, silently conversing with the great Manitou, looking for the blessing of the definitive sign. At my last concert with her and Bill the weekend of August 22, she required a stool to sit on while she sang; Bill played the guitar. She was adamant that they finish their concert commitments this year, and she did complete one last recording session. With small tears, she thanked one and all for their support over the years and, Bill by her side, carefully stepped to the exit. Cancer spread from the pancreas to the lymph system and into the lungs. She appeared briefly for one final commitment last weekend, her last. Her music kept her going for the past few months. Her performances and her determination this past summer season will long be remembered.
Gently do I go forever there to be
Where songs are sounds of gladness
No sadness will I see
I'll look upon the faces
Of those who've gone before
And know I've joined the chorus in the choir of eternity
