Calista McKasson Kovin's Obituary
Calista Shereen McKasson Kovin died in the early morning hours of August 2, 2019, in University Place, Washington, after a long and brave battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her father, Roy William McKasson. Cali will be greatly missed by her husband, Christopher Kovin, and their three children: Cody, Cooper, and Victoria. She is also survived by her mother, Sandalyn Meridith McKasson; her sister, Dana McKasson Davis; and her brothers, Wade and Ryan McKasson.
Cali was born on July 24, 1976 in Dallas, Texas. From an early age, Cali was encouraged by her mother to study harp and classical piano. At thirteen, Cali won an all-Dallas piano competition and was awarded the opportunity to play with both the Plano and Baylor orchestras. She earned a master’s degree in harp performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she also won the prestigious Concerto Competition. Since 2003, Cali had performed as principal harpist with Symphony Tacoma. She was a passionate advocate for music education and enjoyed visiting schools with other musicians to perform and share music with children.
Cali also loved playing music with her family and friends, from informal jam sessions to major events such as the Valley of the Moon (VOM) Scottish Fiddle Camp, established by one of her musical heroes and renowned fiddle player, Alasdair Fraser. At VOM, Cali learned Scottish music and history, formed lifelong friendships, and eventually taught piano as a faculty member. VOM also helped inspire Cali to form a fiddle group with her brother, Ryan McKasson; her sister-in-law, Brooke Jerrell McKasson; and her brother-in-law, Matthew Jerrell. The McKassons recorded two albums and toured the country. After a hiatus, the group recently reunited for a performance at Seattle’s Folklife Festival, to Cali’s great enjoyment.
Though music was a huge part of Cali’s life, her proudest accomplishment was her family, to which she was fiercely devoted. She married her husband Chris in 2008, and they enjoyed 11 wonderful years of marriage and parenthood together. Steadfast and loving, Cali flourished as mother to Cody (10), Cooper (8), and Victoria (6). She cherished “cousin days” and playdates when she and the other young mothers in her family – sister Dana Davis, sisters-in-law Brooke McKasson and Sarah Crea, and cousin Heidi Fulker, among others – could share the adventures and challenges of parenting.
The name Calista means “she that is most beautiful” – a definition that Cali McKasson Kovin exemplified to its fullest. A woman of abiding faith, Cali was an incredibly generous spirit, always quick to show kindness, empathy, and encouragement to others. She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met her.
A funeral service for Cali will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 10, 2019 in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington.
Share your memories of Cali and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
What’s your fondest memory of Calista?
What’s a lesson you learned from Calista?
Share a story where Calista's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Calista you’ll never forget.
How did Calista make you smile?
