I have been searching for the words this past month to express how much Catherine means to me and I’m still struggling. We had slipped out of each other’s orbits these past few years—not for any real reason…just kids getting older, work,  busy day to-day life. The thing about Catherine was, you knew you could always pick up exactly where you left off.  I had a dream about her the night before she died and I woke up the next morning thinking I needed to call her. Then I heard the news.

I met Catherine more than 20 years ago, when we worked at the Walters Art Museum.  I immediately hoped we could be friends. It seems like it was impossible to work with or for Catherine and not feel this way. She had a remarkable ability to be serious and wise but also fabulously funny and accessible; a mentor and an up-for-anything sidekick. She was one of the smartest people I knew…but she always made you feel like you were her equal. When she told me the news she was leaving for JHU, I sat on the chair in her office and cried.  Lucky for me, our friendship was just beginning.

Catherine was a lifeline for me when I was struggling as a new full-time mom. Spending time with her was one of my favorite things to do as I navigated my new, often overwhelming reality.  She always had my back, and was tremendously supportive, funny, kind and understanding. You could tell Catherine anything, and you knew without a doubt that she would keep your secrets.  It did not matter where we went or what we did—any time with Catherine was time well spent, and always involved lots of laughs and the feeling of being completely understood. Equally at home giving a media tour at the museum, living on a sailboat, or having a beer with friends, there were many layers to Catherine and they all revealed her immensely beautiful spirit.

All of the wonderful qualities that made Catherine Catherine were even more resonant as she started her life with Van… and becoming a mother made her radiate exponentially.   It was no surprise that Catherine was a strong, kick-ass mom raising equally kick-ass daughters.

I feel fortunate that I knew Catherine through all these different phases of her life. She remained steadfast throughout: always giving, warm, kind, witty, strong and loyal. I wish I could have expressed to her one more time how much I loved her, and how important she was to me. 

Tonight is the Monument Lighting in Mt. Vernon—an event we attended together many times.  I have so many memories of Catherine, but being with her in Baltimore, on this night,  is one of my favorites.   You will always shine bright, my lovely, lovely friend.