Dorothy Kahl, 79, of Wiscasset, died March 23 in Brunswick.
She was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and attended local schools. Upon graduation from high school, she entered Tufts University. She majored in music and received a bachelor’s degree, graduating magna cum laude.
Pursuing a professional career, she moved to New York City to work and continue her vocal studies. In 1955, she married Howard Kahl, also a musician. The couple auditioned for producer Victoria Crandall and spent the next several years touring in her summer and winter stock productions.
When Crandall opened the Brunswick Music Theater on the Bowdoin College campus in 1959, they joined her resident company and returned for several seasons to perform in the musicals. While in New York City, she began work as a secretary in the Broadcasting and Film Commission of the National Council of Churches and soon assumed liaison production duties for the “Art of Living,” Norman Vincent Peale’s popular talk program on the NBC Radio Network.
She also produced “Pilgrimage” on the ABC Radio Network, a 52-week program which featured interviews, panel discussions and sacred music, going on location with ABC personnel to record organists and choirs. While not a hymnologist, hymns were her favorite form of vocal expression, and she devoted many programs to them.
In 1970, the Kahls moved permanently to Wiscasset. Until her retirement in 1995, she worked as secretary to the superintendent of schools in School Union 48 in Wiscasset.
She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset and sang in the choir for many years. She and her husband also led the carol singing at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
During her life, she performed in more than 27 musicals and was a soprano soloist in more than 700 varied sacred and secular programs. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Bradford Post No. 54. Along with anything musical, she enjoyed reading and travel.
She was the daughter of the late Mary Vanco.
She was predeceased by her husband in 1991; son, Mark Kahl; and sister, Stephanie Vanco.
She is survived by David Furbish of Wiscasset, her devoted companion of many years.
Online condolences may be shared at www.directcremationofmaine.com.
