Today marks 2 years! How can it be? Seems like only yesterday and yet forever ago at the same time.  We spent part of this day participating in a project Katy was doing with her school...random acts of kindness...”sooo Katy”! My heart and soul are so touched by the comments I find here, especially from students! I always told her she was the teacher that would always be remembered; a big heart felt thank you to those who shared a memory of my precious daughter! Forever blessed to be her mom; forever blessed she is my daughter! 💜🙏🏻💃😇


When I heard of your passing, I couldn't believe it.  I was in my senior year of high school at the time, so it had been many years since I was your student. You were my 6th grade English teacher at Pflugerville Middle School, when you were still just Ms. Neubert. Now I am in college, and I still think of you fondly every now and then. 

To this day, I remember you as one of the best teachers I've ever had. You brought a smile to every kid's face, and if someone was messing around, you never made them feel bad. In your class, everyone felt special, because that is the kind of person you are. And because I have always wanted to be a writer, I had a tendency to stick around English teachers – but you never minded it; in fact, you welcomed me, even when I was no longer a sixth-grader and had no need to be in your classroom. I still remember those afternoons I spent tutoring your other students. I just wanted an excuse to spend more time with you, to hear your life stories and advice, to have someone to laugh with. I remember the first time I saw the "Garbus" name on the hot air balloon outside your door and how excited you were about being married. Every single memory I have of you is a good one, a happy one.

I don't really know how to end these things, or if anyone will end up reading this. But I just wanted to put my love and gratitude for you out there. Because of teachers like you, I am still pursuing my dreams (and unsurprisingly, I am currently going for an English degree, haha). For me and so many other people, you were a source of comfort. In the present, when I think of you, you still bring me comfort.

Thank you for everything and more. 



I can't believe it's almost a year. I miss you terribly, sweet Katy.  Your love lives on in all the countless lives you blessed.
Bev and Tom,  I wanted you to know that you and your family have been held up in prayer at my church every week for the past year. Love to you. 💗

It is the last day of school before Christmas break. The teachers are here at Meridian wrapping up the semester and our students are home. It is always so quiet when the children are not here.

 For many of us, this last day before break was the last day we saw or spoke to our Katy.  It had been an emotional day of training on Mental Health First Aid. 

 Her presence in our hallways is still tangible and very real. I can still look up from my desk and see her walking the hall to or from the cafeteria where she worked with students before school and during lunch periods. 

Today we had a team meeting in what used to be her classroom. Many of her things are still there. They are just things, but they hold the memory of Katy and her passion for education. It is on days like today, when we pause from the regular hectic routine of teaching, that the pain catches up to me, and I am sure, others.  I try to accept this as a blessing, to feel her presence so strongly even though it brings with it such pain.  I miss her deeply and while I have found some peace I am still plagued with an underlying level of discomfort of not understanding, ill at ease with self-doubt and fighting the tendency to slip into the "what if...." routine. 

I do not know if this board is still active or if this post will disappear into the ether, but I needed to reach out somewhere, to put this into writing.  I know that in the circles that surrounded Katy, I am not among her closest. I can only imagine the magnitude of emotion this holiday season.  I am intentionally holding her family in my heart. 

On Sunday we dedicate her beautiful bench. It will be good to be together. 

Katy, it is still so strange that you are not here with us. It still does not seem real. We are making progress here at school, but there is still so much healing that needs to happen.  I love you, I miss you, and the love you have brought to this world is still glowing here at Meridian. 

~Jennifer


On behalf of Katy’s family, we are overwhelmed with the incredible love and support for our precious Katy! Thank you all so much; it means more than words can express! She touched so many lives and left a beautiful mark in this world.  I am adding  a few photos that reflect a tiny glimpse into her beautiful life! We miss her deeply but we look forward to the day we are reunited  at the Heavenly  Family Reunion!
With LOVE ALWAYS from her mom💜

Katy was the light of our campus. I can think of no one who shined as brightly as Katy did into so many lives. Katy was my team leader last year and my MYP coordinator this year, but she was so much more than that. To me, she was the epitome of what I would like to be: interruptible. There was no task too small or too big for Katy to stop what she was doing and give you her full attention. She made you feel like your concern was valid or she championed your joy. 

I remember sharing so many good and goofy memories this year with Katy, and when something sweet or exciting happened with my students, I would drop by and share it with her on my way by her office, just because I knew she would love it, too. Because she loved everyone. Always. We did a PD day in January with partners, and no one had my flag (how we were split into partners) so I went and grabbed the flag that Katy had, just because I knew I wanted to be her partner. I always wanted to be on Katy's team. We all did.

One of my favorite things about Katy was not only her joy or her dedication, but also her ability to laugh and be goofy. I presented my grand idea to her this year about bringing a capybara (a giant rodent from the Amazon) to Meridian. She not only didn't think I was crazy, but she fully supported my passion, helping me present the idea to administration and being willing to let me make the visit part of a Service Learning day. When it turned out the capybara could't travel to the school, Katy didn't miss a beat.  She hopped on board, got a "Three Capybara Moon" shirt (a play off the "Three Wolf Moon" shirt...go look at the reviews online. Katy showed me and said "it will make your day." Seriously, it will. Go look.) and drove to Buda with us to meet a giant rat.

Katy gave all of herself to everyone. She is missed and loved. I cannot express with words how much she meant to us and to me. I am praying for you all.

Video of our capybara experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nCPMJlV5IE

The best way I know to describe Katy is as infectiously happy. She knew how to make you instantly feel amazing just sharing space with her. Katy will be forever missed. 

I can't find the words to express the sorrow and pain I feel for my friend Dave, and his and Katy's families. Instead, I wrote a guitar piece for Katy which I wanted to share in case it could be of comfort (must copy and paste) - soundcloud.com/jessejoej/katy

When I entered the 6th grade, I didn't really know what to expect. I didn't have a great experience in elementary school, and I didn't think that middle school was going to be any better. A lot of my teachers helped me through it all, and one of the few that really stood out is Mrs. Garbus. Immediately, I could tell that she loved what she did. I believe that I was in her class the first year that she taught. She was so compassionate and really had a passion for teaching. Every year afterwards during open house, I would drag my parents into her classroom to say hello. I visited her every single year until she ended up teaching at a different school. I didn't ever get to visit her after that, but I will never forget her.

I first met Katy when she walked in to interview for a job at Pflugerville Middle school. When we hired her and she had her first class of sixth graders, a colleague I greatly respect said, “That girl was born to teach.” She earned the District Rookie Teacher of the Year and piloted a Highly Gifted (Ascend) ELA course the next year. She earned campus Teacher of the Year a few years later. She maintained multiple preps of inclusion, on level, pre-Ap and Ascend. She also had a desire to teach dance and used her talents in many ways, first appearing on stage in our production of The Honorable Urashima Taro as the Sea Scorpion. A photo of this remained in her office even this year. She also choreographed multiple numbers for me when I took over the theatre program, started a dance team and coached the Spirit Team. 

I’m so thankful Katy brought me to Meridian World School. Being at a school with Katy means that you are always greeted with a smile. She’d sing out my name and it always made me feel amazing. Sometimes Whitney, Katy and I would dance interpretively to greet each other. The students looked so puzzled and we would all smile and dance our way to start our day. Katy wore fantastic earrings, really cute Croc flats (her students complimented those) and had amazing hair and perfect eyeliner, even after three days of Heifer Ranch. At Meridian, she would go on to earn Middle School Teacher of the Year, serve as a team lead, and eventually take over the mega job of MYP Coordinator. This year she and Whitney started a dance team, Fierce, and it has been awesome to see those girls live up to that name. Last year, she choreographed The Lion King, my first musical to direct. Her confidence gave me strength. 

Katy. I wish I could have told you once more how precious you are. 

I believe you are held by warm, loving hands. I believe you are dancing in the light of the purest love you’ll ever know. I believe that you have the peace that passes all understanding. 

We want to express our sympathy and condolences but are afraid of saying the wrong thing. When someone experiences the loss of a loved one, he or she might feel overwhelming grief, disorientation and hopelessness. Often, the best support we can give does not come in the form of words but in the generosity of our presence


Regards,
Wali Family

Every once in a while, a person comes along that impacts your life forever. For my daughter, that person was Ms. Garbus.  My daughter was battling an eating disorder and her treatment meant missing months of school. In December of 2016, Ms. Garbus sent her the attached card. I was in awe that this teacher who was still relatively new to Meridian had formed such a deep connection with my daughter despite my daughter have a very limited amount of time in her class. Ms. Garbus was so invested in her students and truly cared about them. She was a beacon of light. She brought so much joy, laughter and fun to our school culture. Funny, how one person can be so pervasive and create such an aura of warmth. Ms. Garbus was that person, she was so incredibly special. 
This card from your precious daughter, became my daughter’s fight song. This card has hung in her room since she received it. It sustains her. She gave my daughter possibly the most meaningful gift she has ever received. I only regret that we had not been able to do the same for her. 
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”  Ms. Garbus succeeded countless times. 


Katy and I went to high school together.  We became fast friends; she was my Homecoming date.  We also had English AP together (she was a gifted writer).  On weekends we would drive around San Antonio in my red Jetta.  We'd park near the SAT airport runway and watch the planes land, or drive-thru Wendy's and order “Biggie” fries and Frostys.  Senior year, I went to Prom with someone else, but my date ditched me when we got to the dance.  Katy saw me, immediately swooped in.  I remember she grabbed my hand and took me straight to the dance floor (she was such a good dancer).  Now, when I go home for the holidays and back to my old bedroom, there are memories of her scattered about.  A drawing she made, a Homecoming  boutonniere, a scrapbook she created (she was so creative).  These items will have a different meaning for me now.  But they will always bring a smile to my face.  

Mrs. Garbus was always a friend in middle school. You could always trust her, and she was always there for you. Even when you felt like you felt alone, her smile would brighten your day. She was a very kindhearted person, and open to anybody. Even if you did not know you personally,  She was right there to help you along the path to success.  Almost everyone knew her as a friend, and she was never angry. She was possibly the most upbeat and energetic person I knew, and nobody was shocked at her death as I was. May she walk 
through the gates of heaven and walk with friends forever. 

                                                                                                                                    -Jack Urban, 6th Grade

My time at Meridian was short -- I was the ESL coordinator during the 2016-2017 school year. I met Katy at orientation at the beginning of the year and was immediately charmed by her kindness, friendliness, and sense of style. My office was next to the room where she held her after-school dance practice -- I would sneak a peek every now and then; I loved watching her dance with her students. As we worked together on ESL rubrics and monitored student progress, I grew to admire Katy for her deep commitment to seeing ALL of her students succeed -- the mark of a remarkable educator and human being. 

I will always remember her with great fondness and admiration. 

What a kind and caring soul Mrs. Garbus had. I knew her first as my son’s teacher she was always so positive and encouraging to him. He enjoyed having her as a teacher, as a mother I was thankful that he had such a thoughtful and compassionate teacher.  As parents we pray that our children will have teachers who will nurture and encourage them, treat them as their own.  This was the kind of teacher Mrs . Garbus was she never failed to offer sweetness and encouragement to others more especially her students. Her warm and bubbly smile will be missed dearly.  May she rest in God’s arms now.  
My thoughts and prayers for her family never forget the amazing impact she had on others.


The first time I walked into her room on the first day of Language Arts in 7th grade, I was still self-conscious about my writing skills and had kept my feelings locked up inside my heart from a fallout during the summer. I was struggling and I didn't even know it, but Mrs. Garbus helped me open up about myself and gave me the confidence I have now about my communicative abilities. She let me express myself in my journal and was so open to new ideas from everyone. We often had small discussions during class, but she was always so happy to even listen to me, and for once I felt like I mattered. 

At the end of the year, I asked for her autograph on my makeshift yearbook signing page, and what I didn't expect was a small message with my name on the top, telling me how talented I was in so many ways. Whenever I had a tough time, I brought that page out and read it to myself over and over again, sometimes in her own voice.  

Mrs. Garbus, 

You were a talented, extraordinary, sweet, thoughtful, considerate human being and had the most beautiful smile. Most of all, you touched our hearts when you talked to us with an empathetic and supportive approach. You appreciated me when I was at my lowest point, and if I could turn back time, I would have done the same for you. You taught me how to be kind and patient with myself and to others. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories. 

Mrs. Garbus heart was so so big. She not only knew how to put a smile on all our faces ,but on her face. She had such a beautiful and contagious smile. Sometimes when boys in class will be annoying she will always have that smile on her face. She also was an amazing dance teacher and she is literally the reason I am on the dance team. This is funny because I didn't know there was a dance team in the first place. I found out the day that we had our mandatory meeting and I couldn't go. Even though I didn't go she made some videos for me to learn and set a day that I could go and learn it. I had to leave early that meeting again, so that didn't work. Even though all that, she let me go last with the other kids that didn't go to the meeting and I shocking made the team.

Mrs. Garbus also always did everything to help. When I was new to Merdian in the middle of seventh grade last year she did everything she could to make sure I was caught up with everyone else. Plus I made some incredible best  friends in her classroom. 

Thinking of you in these difficult times.
                                                      Miss you lots-Ileri 


Katy was a precious jewel.  She was a talented teacher and expert organizer, but her greatest value came from her unflagging empathy and pure positivity.  She would listen to others' burdens, offer solutions if she could, and always be the ray of sunshine that made everyone around her better.  

Katy liked to tell new teachers in our orientation that when she saw the video of our Teacher Talent Show and saw the principal prancing around as a fox and singing "What Does the Fox Say?", that she knew Meridian was the school for her.  Katy took the opportunities at Meridian, such as Teacher Talent show, the musical,  mindful wellness, and teaching the IB curriculum, threw herself into them, and made them so much more, and the entire school community was richer for it.  

We all, Meridian students, parents, faculty, staff, and administration, loved Katy.  We gained so much from having her as a part of our life, and will always treasure the time we had with her!

For many of us, Katy was the face of Meridian. It is hard to imagine the middle school without her presence, and her passing has left a big void in our world. I was fortunate enough to serve on her team and to travel with her on overnight field trips. Once a week or so, she would come over to the Design wing before school, and simply chat with me and Mr. Fancher. We called it "kicking it with Katy". She represented the best of Meridian, and I, along with the rest of her coworkers, will miss her.

I never had the pleasure of having Ms. Garbus as a teacher, but my little sister did. Ms. Garbus was one of her favorite teachers. Ms. Garbus and I knew each other, and while we didn't have a chance to get particularly close, as I am a High School student, she and I would have conversations about life, school, and friends on the few instances that I got to see her. She always had a smile on her face, and her smile was very contagious. She was also very encouraging, and she helped me step outside of my comfort zone and audition for the school musical. Another time, I was just mindlessly singing a song in the hallway of the Middle School building, and she had walked by me and smiled as she heard me sing. The next day, she approached me and told me that I sang really well, and how my talents are beautiful and deserve to be shared. That memory will always be in my heart, and in her honor, I will continue stepping outside of my comfort zone, share my talents, and spread positivity to everyone I meet-- just as she did.
Ms. Garbus, you are loved, and you are missed. Requiescet in pace,
--Sarah

Katy had the most amazingly positive outlook....on pretty much everything.  I will never, ever forget her smile and her laugh!  She positively lit up the room whenever she walked in.  Oh, how that laugh would just fill my ears and make me feel immediately forget what I was stressed about.  I have had the pleasure of working with Katy since she came to Meridian School.  Although we didn't work in the same building, we crossed paths quite often, especially once she became part of our Admin team.  I remember sitting with Katy for a one-on-one meeting earlier this year.  She could tell that I was stressed about work.  Katy could sense that I was struggling, and I will never forget how, in the middle of our meeting, she put her hand on top of mine and told me "You are doing EXACTLY what needs to be done."  That comment immediately brought me a sense of calm...and to this day when I find myself overwhelmed I often repeat Katy's words to myself:  "You are doing EXACTLY what needs to be done."  So, in many ways, Katy will ALWAYS be with me.  Katy was also always the first one to jump in and offer to take care of something, especially if it had anything to do with choreographing the annual Teacher Talent Show.  She always made dancers out of all of us!  And it was always SUCH FUN to work with her on preparing these dance numbers for the show.  The laughter and pure silliness that we shared will forever be a part of my fond memories.   She is a very bright light that will never, ever diminish in my mind.  Knowing Katy and working with her have been such an incredible privilege.  Rest easy, dear, dear friend.   You are so very loved.  <3

Katy shone like a ray of light. From her radiant smile to her a spark of creative mischief in her eyes as we talked about a StarWars skit/dance or a Carpool karaoke act for the  talent show she was so present in all things. I first met her at new staff orientation as we both started Meridian in 2015. She immediately made me feel connected and I just knew she would be an amazing teacher. My daughter was lucky enough to have her last year in 7th grade for Language Arts and I just found out this week that they had written a story back and forth, not for a grade but for fun. ( My daughter had never thought of writing as fun, actually torture was more her perspective, that is until Katy inspired her.)  Katy was always thinking of others and was so sensitive and in tune with what people needed. She loved to plan fun things like a flash mob Thriller performance in the cafeteria during lunch.  She would jump in and help out wherever needed and would also try to identify needs and plan ways to support students and staff.  She will be missed, it sounds so trite yet is so true. Her light, her presence, her caring, her smile, her creativity and her dedication will always be remembered. Recently, when searching for a friend's birthday gift, I found a quote with a picture of a kite. " All the Art of Living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and hanging on"-Havelock Ellis
It is my sincerest hope that eventually we can let go of the pain and grief we feel now as we absorb this huge loss and that we will continue to hang onto the beautiful memories she gave us.

We are so saddened by this news. Both of my daughters had Mrs. Garbus as a teacher, and both felt a strong connection to her. She was a brilliant teacher and wise advisor. She showed caring and concern in a way that is rare. Mrs. Garbus recognized social issues that were causing emotional distress for my child. She reached out to me and stayed connected to her to help. She taught my daughter about the semicolon project and the meaning behind it, which she continues to think about and share. 
We are grateful for all that Mrs. Garbus taught and shared. She will not be forgotten. 

Katy always had a smile. Always. Because I work in a different building, I didn’t get to see her a lot, but when I did, I was always met with a kind word and that beautiful smile. 

For my children, she was a teacher and role model. When my son was in her class, she knew exactly what his challenges were and met them head on, right along with him. She worked with him all year, to make sure he had what he needed to be successful. When a student whose main struggle is language arts says his favorite class is language arts, you know the teacher is doing everything right! The following year, when she became his team lead, she truly showed me what it meant to be a champion for a student who needed someone in his corner.  I will never forget. 

For my daughter, she was also a teacher, but pushed her to excel beyond a place of comfort. She knew my child needed to be pushed, to be challenged, and her doing that helped my daughter find gifts she did not know she had.  And possibly the greatest thing anyone could say, was told to me upon hearing of Katy’s passing...”Mom, she was the nicest teacher ever. She never once raised her voice.”  

Katy, thank you. Thank you for what you were to my children and for the gifts you gave to this world. We will truly miss you. ❤️

Katy was radiant. I had spent my entire career in an elementary school and transitioning to middle school could have been terrifying, if not for Katy.  Her smile warmed the intimidating halls, her laugh reassured me that all would be well, her ability to connect with each and every student inspired me and her ability to insert memes into emails at just the right time made tough moments easier.  She was so incredibly supportive, she was always, always willing to cover a need, listen, laugh, dance and talk about JT. Katy allowed for everyone to feel like someone.  Her classroom community was an inspiration-her efforts seemed effortless.  Katy saw the hope and joy in every day and inspires me to do the same.  

I am grateful for the time that I had with you, but oh I wish we could have had more.

Peace,
Shannon

I remember when I was very scared to eat with others on the first day of  school  because it was a new school that she and another teacher ate besides me Ms. Garbus you will be missed. Rest in peace 

Katy and I came to Meridian together but from separate routes. We shared the same students which meant we shared the same frustrations and the same celebrations. The school has a Fall fundraiser called the Teacher Talent Show and, even though it was just her first year with the faculty, she lead us in choreography for a dance. I told her that I'm an old guy who doesn't dance and she just laughed her Katy laugh and said, "but you will and you'll be fine." That's how she approached other people's difficulties - "You can do it, you will be fine." When it came time for filling an important role in our school I immediately called her and it was my turn to tell her, "You can do it, you'll be fine." She was even better than I anticipated. Her positive attitude was always needed and appreciated. I'll miss her but I'll make it and I'll be fine. 

Only having had the privilege to befriend Katy for a short while, I had the pleasure of working closely with her last year as she was the grade level team lead and this year, as the obvious and essential academic piece of the administrative team.  I found myself sitting in her class all of the time last year, always learning something new and constantly complementing her on what she did seamlessly, with ease.  

She was a master teacher,  an amazing team lead, a kind person, a gentle soul, and most importantly to me, the one teacher my struggling daughter felt a connection with.  Katy poured love and attention into her and made the connection to guide a struggling preteen, as Katy did with everyone she met.  She supported everyone.  She volunteered to cover duty, lead programs, support struggling teachers and anything she could think of.  She led dances which brought smiles to everyone's faces, she became giddy and excited to lead choreography in talent shows, she pressed on to create a dance team to support students in expressing themselves with their bodies, and offered a plethora of gestures of kindness without ever expecting or accepting anything in return.  

Last year,  when I was struggling, without saying a word to me, she wrote me the most heartfelt card to offer comfort.  As I read it, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing as I heard her voice as I read it over and over to myself.  I told her I had never read such genuine words and they were what I needed to figure out how to proceed.  I hung it in my office and will carry this treasure, this small piece of Katy's kindness with me as a reminder to lead with kindness above all as Katy did daily.  I want Katy to know she was such a light to me and to everyone who crossed her path.  I will work to be more of a listener and to support others as she always did.  I'm a better person because she was in my life.  

Katy will be truly missed.

Katy moved and inspired me in innumerable ways. I found myself constantly walking into her classroom to participate and relish in her positivity, excitement and authentic love for her students and her craft. We shared many small moments together, talking about silly stories and ideas as well as big, life changing dreams and visions.  I was in awe of her stage-presence, her ease at bringing out the best in everyone, her smile.

My memory to share:

One morning Katy and I bumped into each other in the quiet of the teacher copy room. The school was still very quiet, and we were both easing into our routines for the day. I casually complimented Katy about a conversation I had overheard the day previous--Katy had taken a moment out of class time to bring a student into the hallway for an equal part redirection and celebration pep-talk. While I thought my compliment was a small gesture, Katy seemed to stop in her tracks for a moment.  It was the first time that I realized that she was slightly uncomfortable with honest, unabashed praise and recognition for the very important, very small gestures that came so naturally to her. 

I made her stop and listen while I gave her a quick run down of what I appreciated about her that morning, and promised her that I would make her practice appreciating how inspirational and special she was. She mostly laughed her Katy laugh and shrugged it off. It was so easy for Katy to see everyone else's amazing qualities, but not necessarily her own. 

I made a point to remind her, privately, of how much I appreciated who she was when we were together after that. She always had a response that included how amazing everyone was for their own special qualities.  Katy was an empath.  Her sensitivity and perceptiveness were one-of-a-kind.  She never stopped only half-believing me when I complimented her. I never stopped trying. 

I am going to miss you, dear friend.  

I was on the interviewing committee who hired Katy at Meridian World School and was so thankful to have her in the English department. She was an amazing teacher and friend. Her positive attitude and warm smile will always remain with me. She was the All American Girl who was smart, talented, funny, and so very loving. I will forever miss her smile. I am so sorry that the world has lost Katy, but I know she will never be forgotten. She was loved by so many people at my school....staff, teachers, and especially students. 

Tom and Bev - My heart breaks for your loss.  I cannot fathom the how difficult it must be.  I pray for your hearts to heal and you find joy in the memories.  Thinking of you.  

OBITUARY

Kathryn 'Katy' Neubert Garbus

January 27, 1986 – February 23, 2019

Sunset North Funeral Home

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