Renowned educationist Kathleen Kisting Alam, who helped thousands of Pakistani students pursue higher education abroad and devoted more than four decades to academic service in the country, passed away on Saturday after battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. She was 79.

A large number of people from the academic community, former students and civil society attended her funeral service in Lahore and paid tribute to her lifelong contributions to education, mentorship and community service.

Born in 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa, Kathleen grew up in a large family in the United States. Her father, who rose from poverty during the Great Depression, played a central role in shaping her discipline and work ethic. She graduated in economics from Clarke University in 1971.

Her journey to Pakistan began with a chance meeting in London, where she met Asad Alam at Trafalgar Square during a trip to Europe. Their relationship soon developed and she travelled overland to Pakistan after accepting his marriage proposal in Istanbul.

The couple married in Lahore in 1973, and she went on to make the city her lifelong home.

“She truly became a Lahori at heart,” said family friend Nadeem Muhammad. “She chose to stay in Lahore and dedicated herself to helping young people pursue higher education.”

Kathleen Kisting Alam was laid to rest at Jail Road Christian Graveyard in Lahore.