KATHERINE JEAN TATE

Katherine Jean Tate left us quietly on July 16, 2012, surrounded by her loved ones at her bedside at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minnesota. She wrote the following obituary before she died:

"I lived 57 years, three months and 12 days - and wow, what a ride it was! I was born into a remarkable family including my parents, Bob and Ruth, my younger brothers, Jeff, David and Mike, and later their wives Ginny, Sandra, and Angela (my sisters in heart), and my adorable 11 nieces and nephews. We stayed close. They loved me completely.

"I was born onto this earth April 4, 1955 in Fort Worth, Texas. My parents moved to Berkeley, Calif., when I was six weeks old so my father could attend seminary. My brothers, Jeff and David, soon arrived. We joined the ranks of military kids when my father became a Navy Chaplain when I was four. We lived on military bases from California to North Carolina to Florida to Texas, and to Iwakuni, Japan, where my brother, Mike, was born. Upon our return to the states we moved to the Philadelphia/New Jersey area where I graduated high school, college and graduate school.

"In July 1993, I left the East Coast and moved to Duluth, which is the most exquisitely beautiful place on Earth. I felt I had come home. I found much solace in her woods and lakes. I discovered kindred spirits focusing on social justice issues in both the Quaker Meeting and Peace Church. I explored my Celtic Christianity roots and made three pilgrimages to Iona, Scotland. I became a vegetarian and attempted to live a life that respected all living creatures. I happily shared my bed with several animals and never met one I didn't want to bring home.

"I worked for 17 years at my dream job as a psychotherapist at the residential facility, Northwood Children's Services in Duluth. Oh, the children I have loved! I thrived in the challenging position, working with wonderful professionals. They donated untold sick hours to me while I struggled to work for a couple of years after my diagnosis of breast cancer. When I could no longer work they continued until my death to care for me in countless ways. These people are part of a program that does excellent work with very difficult children. In lieu of flowers, if you want to make a donation in my name, please do so to Northwood Children's Services, on-line or mailed to NWCS at 714 West College Street, Duluth, MN 55811.

"Over the years some amazing people became my 'Duluth Family.' As I became more ill, they took care of all the details of my life. I can never thank enough the people who surrounded me with so much love, and who made all the difference during my final weeks and days.

"I also received the best of care from Essentia Health's oncology and hospice services. Thank you, Dr. Mihailo Lalich, my oncologist, for walking this path with me until the very end.

"I was blessed to live a life in which I could follow my heart. It was a good life. And so, to honor the joys in my life, please hug tightly someone you love and eat a really big piece of chocolate for me!"

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 4 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012 in Peace United Church of Christ, Duluth, Minnesota, Reverend Kathy Nelson officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Dougherty Funeral Home.

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