Thinking about you today. Thank you for the friendship you gave to my son. Thank you for the calls and texts to keep us updated. Praying for you family today especially your precious daughter. She is beautiful, I pray she always remembers the love you gave to her.

Posted by Anonymous on April 8, 2024

Kat, I prayed this was all a bad dream. And you'll always have a special place in my heart. You were a beautiful person; you always had a way to put a smile on my face. I met you at the half way house when we were both fighting demons. And when we're going thru it, we tend to get close to people that understand us and what we're going thru. I still have pics of you that I'll cherish. And I'll remember that smile. But most importantly I'll remember our friendship. I know God has your back and I'll continue to pray for you, your family and your twin, your daughter. Keep watching over us. I love you Kat FOREVER til I meet you at the gates -Crys Meeks

Posted by Crys Meeks on February 3, 2024

I remember the first time I met Kate in middle school. You couldn’t miss her- she always bounced down the hallways, singing at the top of her lungs. We became fast friends. She loved sewing her own clothing and was truly and genuinely herself in every way. It’s funny to think back on now, her rebellious, albeit harmless, spirit back then. Her individuality was so unique, everyone was so easily drawn to her. We would sit in her bedroom for hours, recording our “talk show” on cassette tapes, playing back the old ones and laughing hysterically til we couldn’t breathe. We had so many inside jokes, and affectionately called each other “Ducky” (her nickname for me) and “Little Bird”. We were soul sisters. Although we grew apart, I always cherished the love and companionship we had together. We had so many experiences together during our formative years. She was so unapologetically herself and I know her spirit will live on in Naomi.

Posted by Kelly Tisdale on July 12, 2023

This is my first Father's Day in over 30 years that I won't hear "Happy Father's Day Dad. I love you". I really miss you Kate but I'm very happy that you are my daughter and that I have many memories of our time together. You made a lot of friends over the years and I see that your daughter and my grandaughter Naomi shares that trait. I love you and will always think about you and I will see you again one day. I would like to thank everyone who has written a tribute or just said goodbye to Kat on this site. If you have been reading these and haven't written, please do. It brings joy to all of us who have known her to read about other folks and their memories of my wonderful daughter.

Posted by Kate\\\'s Dad on June 18, 2023

I met Kat when our babies were babies in St.Johns. I will always remember the first time I saw her- Although we didn’t talk the first time- we kept running into eachother in town (library storytime for our babies, playground, coffee shop, cathedral park, swap and play) and became fast friends. The first time I saw her, I remember thinking how amazing of a mother she was. She was totally and utterly in love with Nai- it was as if it were only them in the world. She was smiling radiantly at her sweet baby and playing with her- laughing loudly in the sunshine. joy radiated at the park that day. I was pushing my daughter on the swing and glancing at them from time to time and I knew I wanted to be her friend. Motherhood felt lonely to me as an Oregon transplant with no family nearby- and none of my friends had young children. I craved that connection- friendship with a mother who loved her baby so much- someone gentle and fun-loving. That was Kat. I’m devastated that she’s gone. The last time we talked we were chatting about how awesome it would be for our kids to be pen pals because I moved to Texas and wanted to stay in touch. They were into the same stuff, both Pokemon obsessed and loved art. I dreamt of her the night I found out she passed, it felt like a warm hug from her. Your light is missed but still burns down here earthside mama. Grateful to have known you

Posted by Lainie Smith on June 14, 2023

I will always remember Kate before her addiction changed who she was. She was a wonderful person before the drugs and I often hoped she would overcome her demons. I think we all thought she had and this is a reminder just how delicate life is.

Posted by Anonymous on June 12, 2023

Over the course of several years of dating Kate's brother and that season I spent with his wonderful family, Kate became the younger sibling I was never fortunate enough to have myself. Kate was welcoming, incredibly humorous, loving, beautiful, creative, and immensely talented. Like most younger siblings Kate was sometimes argumentative, but challenged my perspectives and offered me valuable insight into the ways in which the beauty of the world can be valued and appreciated. That was and will always be one of my most favorite things about Kate. Kate was not afraid to speak up for herself and for others, and witnessing that bravery positively impacted me, and will stay with me forever. Kate was truly inspiring. In keeping in touch with Kate periodically over the years, it was an absolute joy hearing about and watching Kate discover, embrace, love, and navigate motherhood/parenthood. Kate was undeniably an incredible mother/parent, and I have no doubt that Kate's eagerness, passion, and love for art, nature, and music will live on in Naomi. My deepest condolences to Naomi, the Hemmes, Kate's extended family and friends.

Posted by Samantha Talley Holmes on June 6, 2023

Kate (as I knew her) was a sweet and beautiful soul. When she was a teenager, she was friends with my son and their whole crowd hung around at my house (playing loud music and eating me out of house and home!). We stayed in touch over the years through Facebook, and I loved seeing the pictures of her and her daughter and the obvious joy they had together. My heart breaks for her friends and family. ❤️❤️❤️

Posted by Rhonda Brownstein on May 30, 2023

I only knew Kat for a short time, during a particularly turbulent period of my own young adulthood. We worked at Starbucks together. She was Kat. If you know, you know. She challenged a lot of the ways the world worked and taught me how to do that too. She was wild and crazy and compassionate and funny— A soul that seemed to have traverse the universe and had come back with knowledge just to give it to you. There was never a dull moment with her. She was supportive and helped others through tough customer service moments with grace. She was my reality check for those years. I miss her and she can’t be replaced… May you rest peacefully in the memory of the universe where the gods honor your deeds, your wisdom, and your boundless spirit.

Posted by Anonymous on May 27, 2023

Kat looked out for me and stuck up for me when others wouldn’t have. Such a kind and loving human being. Love and prayers, and my deepest condolences to Kat's family.

Posted by Lyle Curry on May 19, 2023

I met Kat and Naomi when we all lived in St Johns. We regularly hung out each others houses, Swap n Play and in the parks around town. Our kids played together and I nannied Ne for some time. My daughter Alora still reminisces on the fun they had, especially about the time we ran into them at the park when Ne was dressed up as an adorable Pikachu for Halloween. We moved away back east, but still kept in touch here and there through the distance. Kat is a sweet, vibrant, lovely soul, who’s earthly presence will be greatly missed. So much love to all the family and loved ones, and big big tender hugs to dearest little Naomi. We love you and miss you.

Posted by Anne R on May 19, 2023

Kat was one of the most truly alive people I've ever known, and it doesn't feel real that they're gone. My heart is absolutely broken. There was so much more I would have loved to see them do.. So much more to cheer them on for. Kat was the most radiant and free soul, so full of life and light! Absolutely iconic and electric! I've never met someone like Kat, and I know I never will. They were so strong, resilient, perseverant, hopeful, and kind. It was a privilege to see Kat grow so much over the years, and to see the way that they so naturally blossomed into parenthood too. Like it was meant to be. Kat and Naomi were the best of friends and shared the deepest love. They were always playing, dancing, singing, exploring, and having the most fun. The way Kat poured their light and love for life into her... They loved her more than anything and never stopped doing their best to give her the world. I know Nay will carry that bright light with her forever, and share it with the world. Naomi is the gift that Kat left for us. I hope that everyone who was lucky enough to know Kat is able to find peace and healing. May we all find comfort in one another and the parts of Kat that we all carry in our hearts. "How lucky i am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." I love you, Kat.

Posted by Emmalee on May 18, 2023

Kat and I became friends over our shared interests and experiences; yoga, gardening, single motherhood, making herbal remedies, dancing and living it up in SJ Portland. I will never forget her big bright eyes, her creativity, her passion and most of all her love for her daughter.

Posted by Anonymous on May 16, 2023

Kat was a good mom and a nice person! They were always hitting the same mom hot spots as me and my girls: Swapnplay- our local play co-op, the park, the community center, etc. We never planned to meet up but luckily our paths crossed from time to time! Kat and Naomi, whom they affectionately called Ne, were inseparable, and Kat doted on (perhaps too old fashioned of a word) that child. Kat was always friendly and fun, even on 90 degree summer days when all we wanted to do was stand in the shade while the kiddos played. I will miss running into them around the neighborhood.

Posted by Lauren on May 10, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we are saying goodbye, for now, to our beautiful godchild, Katie. We hold dear in our hearts the memories we have of you. One that stands out the most to me is how you were walking, barely holding on to the couch at 9 months old! The sight of you, your adorable face with the most beautiful big bright eyes doing this at such an early age always amazed me and put a smile on my face, still does. You and your brother Spencer were one of the first friends that Matt and Morgan had and our entire family will always cherish the times we had together. You will be missed terribly sweet Kate and our prayers will always be with you and your family. ❤️

Posted by Doreen and Tim Selby on May 2, 2023

Kate was a kind young lady. She attended Saint Bede Catholic School with my children. I remember seeing her playing with my son when I arrived at Saint Bede school. She was also my son’s girlfriend when they were in High school for a while. During all that time I had the opportunity to get to know Kate. St one time, she worked at Starbucks at the Birmingham Galleria (many years ago) She saw me in a crowd and ran up to me to say “hello” I remember her smile and her laughter. She left us too soon!! May she rest in peace.

Posted by Anonymous on May 1, 2023

We are so sorry for your loss. It’s been such a long time, but I do remember Kate when she was a little girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Posted by Eric Johnson on April 29, 2023

Kate was my first friend in early childhood. My brother wished she were his sister 🙂 Her pure joy spread to others. I don’t remember much from my early childhood, but I remember the pain I felt when she moved away. I think that says a lot about Kate and the impact she left on others. It comforts me to know Kate is now filled with peace and joy again.

Posted by Morgan Selby Sordo on April 28, 2023