University music professor Claire McCoy died Friday at her home in White Bear Lake after losing a six-month battle with cancer. She was 45.
As a dedicated teacher and respected colleague, McCoy helped develop a collaboration between Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools, the School of Music and the theater and dance departments.
The program helped play a pivotal role in many school children’s lives and helped fuel their artistic creativity.
McCoy always taught a full class load every term but still managed to devote time to her research.
Her research in interdisciplinary arts education led to the publication of “Sound Ways of Knowing,” a book used widely by music teachers.
“Claire was such a fine teacher, caring mentor, scholar, innovator and advocate,” said Paul Haack, professor and chair of the music education and therapy department, in a prepared statement. “Above all she was a wonderful human being who fought her illness with the same passion, courage and humor that she lived and taught.”
A memorial will be held today for McCoy at the Basilica of St. Mary, 88 N. 17th St. in Minneapolis.

Patrick Hayes welcomes comments a [email protected].