09/14/1924 – 03/05/2012 
Kate Peach died peacefully at the Whatcom Hospice House on March 5th, 2012. Kate was born on September 14, 1924 at Camp Lewis, just outsideTacoma. Her father, Alfred McMorris, was a career military man who retired as a General from the US Army. Kate spent idyllic summers onBainbridgeIslandwith a large number of cousins and her only sister, Mary Jean, swimming, tap dancing and playing tennis. Kate attended college at theUniversityofWashington, joining the Delta Gamma sorority and ultimately earning her Bachelor’s Degree. While at theUniversityofWashington, Kate met Samuel Peach. Kate and Sam were married for 59 years until Sam’s death in 2005. They settled inBellinghamshortly after being married in 1946, where they raised their four boys, Matthew, Andrew, Charles and Todd.
Kate was a sportswoman all of her life. She was an avid golfer, playing her last round late in 2011. Sam often groused about how he had never had a hole-in-one playing golf while Kate had five. Her skills were not just limited to the golf course. In the 50′s Kate and Dewey Huston were theBellinghammixed doubles tennis champions. Kate lived an energetic life with a wide number of friends. Once her illness prevented her from being physically active, her health declined quickly. Kate was someone who needed to be moving to be happy.
Kate had a circle of friends inBellinghamthat she and Sam enjoyed for nearly sixty years. These friendships, loyal and enduring, were a testament to a generation of people who valued friendship over all else. Kate has left behind a solid core of friends who will miss her energy, her sense of humor and her genuine interest their lives.
She is survived by her four sons, their spouses, many grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A celebration of Kate’s life will take place at 4 PM on March 10th, 2012, at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. All that knew and loved Kate are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Whatcom Hospice House.
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Matt and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss . My dad just passed away last week and it just sucks. My prayers go with all of you. Tony.
I’m so sorry to hear about Kate. We had alot of good laughs together. I have such great memories with her. My prayers go to you all. Bev
I had the high honor of being on Kate’s team at one of the club tournaments and will carry the fond memory of a great round with this great lady, always. Prayers to the family.
Dear Matt and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May you be comforted in the knowledge she is at home with The Lord.
Among BGCC golfers there was no one who could top Kate for her marvelous one-liners on any occasion. We will always be grateful for the leadership and friendship she gave to our Women’s division. Pat O’Brien
My dear old Pal, I’m having trouble accepting that you’ve left us. But no trouble recalling a zillion wonderful times: From the college-years’ Ft Worden trip when we all missed the ferry, with a complex aftermath; To the very recent phone chat when we again laughed hysterically quoting (or misquoting) from the Thurber chapters we’d memorized (when needing to cram for exams). You are the epitome of Friend: constant, caring and deliciously fun. I’m always grateful for having been your roommate.
Andy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mother was an amazing woman. Please accept our most sincere condolences as you work through this transition in life. May god bless you all.
Todd and Barbara Hawley
My heart goes out to your family. Kate always had a smile on her face and she took the time to know my name and remember it. She taught me the rules of golf and was curtious when she had to explain them, when I was just learning how to play she had a way of making me feel accepted with the ladie golfers and I was much younger than she. Kate was and will be always a inspiration to me on and off the course a reminder that everyone should be treated equal, I am blessed that I have had a mentor and will continue to pass on her qualities to others .
Dear Andy & Family,
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. I so remember her always present smile and friendliness. I loved her outgoing personality and zest for life. My prayers for comfort to you and your family.
To the Peach Family,
Nancy and I both enjoyed your mother very much. She was so friendly and positive with a great sense of humor. What a tribute to her that so many showed up at her memorial, but we were not surprised. Charlie, it was great to see you and talk to you after so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I wanted to thank all the people that showed up to the Country Club for the Memorial. Some of you I had not seen for 30+ years. For those who knew my mom — she was great in a crisis. She prided herself for knowing how to repair things and actually make them better. No matter now angry she was at one or more of the 4 boys for one thing or another, she was always willing to put aside that particular problem and focus on making things better in a crisis. When her health went south — she was not used to be hovered over, but it was amazing to see the show of support that came forth as a means of paying respect. I was able to talk with my mother until the day before she died. I still hear her voice inside my head and she is at peace. I have to believe she is with my father and her parents and all her buddies whom have recently passed away talking about her last golf game, stroke by stroke and one painful jerky backswing at a time.
Kate was my neighbor at the condo. Although I didn’t know her then, she was an edgemoor neighbor too but I certainly knew of the delightful wonderful woman that was Kate Peach. Even tho it was for a short time, I am very fortunate to have known her.
She will be greatly missed.
~ Glenna Hansen
Andy,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.I always enjoyed her company and sharp wit as we watched The Maggie’s participate in various sports through the years. Our thoughts are with you and the kids during this very difficult time. George & Janet Long
~ Bellingham, Washington
Our sympathies to you. Kate was a formidable and personable woman – a rare mix. Sending you our love, Penny, Amy, Nina and Autumn
~ Penny Henderson,
Kate has been a friend since University days in the Delta Gamma house. Everyone loved her. My special sympathy to all her family and she will be missed by so many of us.
Sally Sue Coleman
~ Sally Coleman
Andy, sorry to hear about your mother. Your folks were pillars of the community and will be greatly missed.
~ Nichole Worthy
Dear Andy, Laura and family,
I was saddened to hear of Kate’s passing. The very day before I went to the country club in hopes of finding her sitting and playing bridge with her friends. I had no idea she was in the Hospice House. I have been blessed with Kate’s friendship and she has left an indelible handprint on my heart. We would share stories of raising four sons and she would always give me advice or some funny story of you kids. It has been said that the problem with life is not its brevity but the fact that we squander much of it. Kate did not waste any of life’s precious moments; she lived each one of them to the brim. I will miss her big smile (and big, black-rimmed glasses!).
Christine Koplowitz
Kate was a great friend to me starting when I joined the Women’s Division at BGCC following my retirement. I loved to play golf with her, to have lunch, or just to visit. She had so many wonderful traits that it is hard to name them all. I loved her wit and candor. She always made me feel a little more special when I was in her presence. I will miss her.
~ Linda St Andre
Kate and Sam were two of the best friends my parents Bill and Helen Currie ever had, and I was very lucky to have them as godparents. I will forever miss Kate’s amazing wit and great heart, her seemingly unstoppable energy, her unmatched skill with an apple pie (!) and so many other things that made her so special. One of the all-time funniest people I ever met in my life, and the world will definitely be a less fun place without her in it. It’s hard to believe she’s gone. Condolences to all the Peach boys and your families.
~ Janet Currie, Vancouver, Canada
Kate was great and one of my favorite persons. I called my mom and she expressed her deepest condolences. She wanted to send you guys a note but she is having trouble seeing and writing. Both your mom and dad will forever be in my memories. Craig and Virginia Hayes
We feel as if we’ve also lost a beloved family member with Kate’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathies to all the Peaches.
~ Mike, Nancy & Casey
Dear Family,
What a blessing it was, is, and will always be, to have “experienced” Kate. It is with sorrow that I heard of her struggle too late to have told her how often I thought of her, just to make myself happy. Her gift was not just for the times you were around her… they refreshed with lightness, humor, and warmth whenever she came to mind. She was more than just a candle burning brightly. She was a campfire!
I thought I had a great picture to share, which captures for me, her essence of “joeaux d’vive”, but cannot locate. It remains indelibly etched in my memory. It’s my treasure.
I am so sorry for your, and our, loss.
She’s given us another reason to look forward to heaven, where I imagine there is riotous non-stop laughing since she arrived.
Cathryn Fairfield
(Nancy Oswald’s sister)
~ Cathryn Fairfield, Bellingham, Washington
Kareb Leake
Kate was an amazing woman. I will never forget her kindness and good deeds. May peace be with her.
~ LeeAnn Eicher
Dear Peach family,
I just today learned of Katie’s passing. Although I knew it was inevitable, I always considered her invincible – and still do. Her energy, spirit, smile, generosity, humor and caring live on in our hearts and memories. The Peach and Stradling family go back a long ways – I don’t remember exactly when she and dad met — and she didn’t either, but she told me last summer when I visited her, that they met at a community event — typical for both of them. The friendship between our families was forged and has continued through many good and difficult times for around fifty years. What a gift! With our parents Dick and Gail gone, and now Sam and Katie gone, it is the end of an era. Yes, this was a generation who valued friendship, community and loyalty. May it ever be remembered.
Sheryl Stradling