Kathleen E. "Kathy" Maurer, whose vibrant coastal landscapes and dedicated mentorship helped define the Amelia Island art community for over four decades, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in 1952 in New Jersey, she relocated to Fernandina Beach in 1979, where the island's marshes, live oaks and salt air became the enduring inspiration for her celebrated artistic vision.

After training at the Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota and working briefly as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Kathy returned to her true passion—painting. In 2010, she married fellow artist William R. "Bill" Maurer, beginning a creative partnership that flourished both at home and in their island art gallery. Under the banner of Maurer Fine Art, they taught workshops year-round, blending Bill's architectural watercolors with Kathy's bold acrylics and mixed-media pieces. Following Bill's passing in 2023, Kathy continued their artistic legacy until her final days.

As an accomplished artist known for her evocative portrayal of island life, Kathy's acrylic canvases captured the unique light and atmosphere of Amelia Island's coastal scenes. Her work earned numerous accolades, including five "Best Coastal Scene" awards from the Island Art Association, the Gold Medal from the Florida Miniature Art Society and recognition as "Artist of Distinction" by the Amelia Island Museum of History.

Kathy was a devoted member of the Miniature Art Society of Florida and served the Island Art Association in multiple leadership roles, including Gallery Director and Board Member. She helped form the Grants Committee and was instrumental in changing Association policy to allow Associate Members to exhibit their art. Her paintings have found homes in private collections throughout the United States and Europe.

Kathy and Bill embarked on artistic pilgrimages to Europe—studying at the Association des Beaux-Arts de Cannes, sketching the canals of Venice and exploring Parisian galleries. They would return to infuse their Amelia Island exhibitions and workshops with the continental light and color that inspired them abroad.
Over the years, Kathy welcomed painters of all experience levels to join her art classes and workshops. Known for her patient instruction and warm encouragement, she motivated countless students to discover their creative potential. Former students frequently celebrated her influence on social media, noting how her "inspirational manner of teaching" and wealth of knowledge kept them returning year after year.

Beyond her artistic practice, Kathy served her community through generous donations of original works to the Council on Aging and other charitable auctions. At First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach, she quietly contributed her talents by painting bulletin covers, creating pageant backdrops and supporting fellowship activities. Her faith guided her belief that every act of kindness was "a prayer in motion."

Above all her professional accomplishments, Kathy treasured her role as "Mema" to her grandchildren and great-grandson. She leaves behind her sister Jane; her three children—Jennean, Marcus, and Adam—five stepchildren, six grandchildren and one great-grandson. Her family home was not only a creative workspace but a place where family gathered amidst music, laughter, great meals, a fun game of Scrabble, or a mean chess game – each moment infused with love, connection and the comforting warmth of simply being together.

Rather than flowers, the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network pancan.org.
Fernandina Beach will forever bear the imprint of Kathy's generous spirit and vibrant vision. As she said, "Art is a prayer written in color."

Memorial services and a celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held on Thursday May 29th at 11:00 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach.