Celebrating the Life of Dianne Muth: Co-founder of NAPCIS
Dianne Muth, co-founder of NAPCIS with her husband Jerry, and Fran and Margie Crotty from Kolbe Academy, along with the independent school founders from Manressa Academy, St. Maria Goretti Academy, and Thomas Aquinas School, has passed away at the age of 88.
From the Kolbe Academy website
With deep sorrow, Kolbe Academy announces the passing of its Co-Founder Dianne Muth, on February 17, 2023.
In 1980, Dianne and her husband Jerry were one of the three founding couples of Kolbe Academy, an independent Catholic school in Napa, California. Soon afterward, Kolbe Academy grew into a support for Catholic homeschooling students worldwide.
Dianne was a pioneer in the field of education, and her passion for phonics led her to write the Ignatius Speaks and Writes English program, which is used in Kolbe Academy’s homeschool program for the first and second grades. She was currently working on the third-grade edition. Dianne also authored the Kolbe Academy guides to the Catholic National Reader and played a crucial role in preparing the daily lesson plans for many subjects in Kolbe’s grade school program.
Dianne was a dedicated wife and mother. She and Jerry successfully raised ten children, three of whom graduated from Kolbe Academy’s Day school. They also had 45 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.
Chris Rowles, grandson, and COO of Kolbe Academy shared, “On behalf of all the employees of Kolbe Academy, I want to acknowledge Dianne’s invaluable contributions to the educational and spiritual foundations of thousands of students. Her legacy at Kolbe Academy lives on through our faith-driven mission and our commitment to our students, our families, and the communities we serve.”
Dianne Muth’s legacy at Kolbe Academy will continue to inspire future generations of educators and homeschoolers. Her unwavering dedication to her students and her commitment to excellence will always be remembered.
