Kathryn Holt, 67, a Saratoga resident and longtime local teacher, died on Dec. 7.

Holt had taught in the Campbell Elementary School District since 1965. During the course of her career, more than 1,000 students learned in her classroom. Holt died of breast cancer after 23 years of living with the illness.

A memorial service was held for Holt on Dec. 11 at the Foothill Club of Saratoga. Attendance was standing-room only. Friends and co-workers spoke about Holt, of her ability to relate to her students and for gathering small groups together to meet their individual needs. Holt's longtime friend and teaching partner, Bonnie Ross, said it was "amazing how many parents requested her for their children." Friends spoke, saying they were also "students in Mrs. Holt's classroom." They spoke of Holt as a "beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend," and "a life teacher to everyone."

Longtime friend Cindy Summers spoke positively of Holt and how, despite treatments for her cancer, she never missed a day of teaching, and how she reached out to many other women diagnosed with the disease, offering friendship, support and hope.

She is survived by her husband John of Saratoga; her brothers Paul and Peter Mugar; her son Jeff Holt of Charlottesville, Va.; her daughter Tracy Ackland of Royal Oaks; her son Eric Brandenburg of Visalia; and her grandchildren Tom, Laura and Mike Holt and Braydin Brandenburg. She was predeceased by her infant son, Bryon Brandenburg.

Donations can be made in Holt's name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75565. Visit www.Komen.org.