Kathleen Mylecraine

Devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Kathleen Mylecraine passed away on December 21, 2023. She was 71 years old. Kathleen passed in the comfort of her Chagrin Falls, OH home, with her husband of 44 years, Chris Adelman, daughter Leslie Adelman (John Ivanec) and her beloved cats at her bedside. She is also survived by her daughter Erin Adelman Court (Steve Court), and her grandchildren Claire, Sophie and Parker Court. Kathleen lived her entire life with Von Hippel-Lindau disease which eventually resulted in cancer in early 2023. 

Kathleen was a gifted artist – a musician, needlepointer, and nature lover. She was an inspiring teacher and collaborator. As an accomplished “flute player,” as Kathleen referred to herself, she was a pillar of the Cleveland music community and a musical gem for the entire world. 

Kathleen was a member of the Greater Cleveland Flute Society, and the Silver Wings Ensemble, playing at events throughout the greater Cleveland area. She served for 15 years as the Director of the The Music Settlement flute ensemble. Kathleen was a gifted arranger, creating flute ensemble arrangements across multiple music genres. She encouraged fellow musicians to enjoy their musical journeys. No matter a musician’s level of expertise or commitment, Kathleen was their biggest cheerleader. She taught flute to hundreds of students — in Great Falls, MT; Edmond, OK; and finally in Cleveland, OH. As a music teacher, she loved and supported her students, encouraging them regardless of whether or not they wanted to play professionally or just for the joy of it. Her philosophy was not, “practice, practice, practice” but “enjoy, enjoy, enjoy” (but practice if you want to go to Julliard.)

In addition to playing flute and piccolo for over 50 years, Kathleen was always curious to learn other instruments. She was a dedicated harpist and, after taking up classical guitar late in her career, served as President of the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society. She loved the symphony, ballet, and theater of all types, frequently attending Broadway shows and the Shaw Festival in Ontario, Canada with Chris and her daughters. She also loved to travel with her friends and Chris, especially in Europe. 

Kathleen is now at peace, and the memories of her keen intellect and fantastical mind will sustain her family and many friends. Chris, Leslie and Erin are grateful that her soul is at rest.

A celebration of life will be held at 1pm, February 10th at the Unitarian Universal Congregation of Cleveland (21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH, 44122). Entrance to this Congregation is on the Belvior Oval, parking is in the back. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer if you could make a donation to the music, medical research or nature charity of your choice or one of the following:

VHL Alliance

Music School Settlement