My memories of Kate center around her being my little sister’s friend and my friend’s little sister. Either way, she was a little sister and, as they are won’t to, could be annoying. 

I have been trying to get a clearer picture of this memory, but it remains vague and ethereal.  Kelly and I were about 10 or 11 years old (Kate was about 8) and Kelly had a sleepover, which was a big deal at that age.  Kate was hanging around and Kelly made her leave and we went on with our games.

It think it was Halloween, because I distinctly remember we were playing a game, sneaking around the house in the dark. No one knew Kate had come back until she jumped out from behind a corner and scared the B’Jeezus out of me! She was so proud of herself!

Maybe that’s why I remember Kate as mischievous (and fearless!) with a little sly smile and a twinkle in her eye.

May all you memories of Kate bring you peace….and a sly smile…:

Kate was my childhood friend who was MOST up for spending hours and hours lying on the floor drawing. And it's fitting that the last time I saw Kate we were in my Brooklyn apartment in our early 30's making collages of famous paintings out of wall-paper samples and magazines.  She always had a coffee can full of crayons on her desk in 2nd grade.  And when we walked home from school, we'd hang out for hours in Bexley Hall telling ghost stories and talking to students before going our separate ways to be home in time for dinner. We had plans to see Patti Smith on New Years Eve a few years ago but some new phase of Covid pulled the plug. I was always so envious of that little 'star' shaped scar on her cheek. Back when long-distance calls cost so much, I would call her from long layovers in O'Hare (because it was free!) and we'd talk for hours on the phone--sharing notes on being a teen in Chicago (wow!) vs. Mt. Vernon (yawn). I feel so incredibly blessed that we shared such a magical childhood and then spent a year living NEXT to each other as freshmen at Kenyon. 

A day in the Cotswolds — with Kate and Elizabeth

Harry celebration — with Joe, Kate, Harry and Elizabeth

Fellow graduate students — with Joe, Lenny, Kate and Elizabeth