In Memoriam: Renata Karlin
Renata Karlin (July 27, 1936 - July 16, 2024)
In the tender compassion of our God, Renata Karlin, was taken into the arms of Christ. She died yesterday evening in her adopted “new home” – Sunrise East – just a few blocks away from her long-time NYC apartment and just two blocks north of Saint Peter’s. Her daughter and son, Abigail and Oliver, and their families have been anticipating this moment for several weeks. Indeed, in my time with Renata she was resolute and determined to face death not as defeat but for the new life it would bring. The daughter of a noted German theologian and a person who marked nearly every week of her life by praising God in prayer and music and art, we would expect no other.
Born in Nazi Germany on July 27, 1936, Renata came to the United States as a young adult to study. She has the distinction of being the first woman to have received a Ph.D. in Art History from Columbia University. A long-time member of Saint Peter’s, dating back to the earliest days of the extraordinary arts ministry that has flourished here for more than a half century, Renata’s critical eye and historical mind has benefited us all. She led a much-remembered tour to Italy in the 1980s, lecturing members and friends about Renaissance art with her young daughter, Abigail, at her side.
Renata’s support for the arts is notable. When she lived in Houston she was active with Rothko Chapel. Knowing the importance of its New York City counterpart – our very own, Nevelson Chapel – she was an early and devoted donor to the Renewing a Masterwork Campaign, which continues to carry out a comprehensive restoration of Nevelson’s “oasis of silence.” As with visual art, so, too, her support of the musical arts. In the last few years Renata, with thanks to her son and daughter in law, Oliver and Hemmendy, as well as several members of Saint Peter’s, was able to enjoy a number of masses with special music, and most especially, the 2023 presentation of the Bach/Karosi Saint Mark Passion. These memories accompanied her in the days and weeks of her journey to life everlasting.
On Sunday, August 18, we celebrate Mary, Mother of God (transferred from August 15) at all of our liturgies. The 10:30 am Mass will include the inurnment of Renata, and a reception will follow off-site. If you wish to attend the reception, please RSVP to Edgar Guerrero today at eguerrero@saintpeters.org.
In the meantime, The Song of Simeon, first sung when Simeon, who scripture tells us prayed fervently with Anna in the Temple, beheld Christ for the first time, seems especially appropriate to pray with and sing in thanksgiving for Renata’s long and fervent life of faith:
Now, Lord, you let you servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the site of very people:
a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
Lord Jesus Christ, through water and the Spirit you brought Renata into your family; receiver her and present her to God Most High.