Memories, messages, and photos from Katie's many friends, family, and colleagues.

To add your own text and photo, contact tributes@cmbranson.net

Steve Branson (Husband)

Katie was the most radiant being I have ever encountered. She emanated so brightly, so warmly, upon anyone she graced with her presence. Her light was a spectrum; a rainbow of compassion, kindness, empathy, tolerance, peace, harmony and most of all, love.

She loved me, even though I felt unloveable. She cared for people when they didn't or couldn't care about themselves. She welcomed everyone, and judged no one. She helped me shed my anger, my fears, and my narrow views of the world and how it should be.

We were simply meant to be: we liked the same music, we shared the same views, our hearts soared when we were together. We got married; had two beautiful children. We found our way to the pristine Pacific Northwest where we could finally exist in the serenity we've both wanted for so long. Sometimes we disagreed; we were disappointed in each other during our lesser moments. But never, in our lives together, did we utter an unkind word; we agreed that was forbidden.

We loved each other fully, deeply, utterly; every day, every decade, in words; in deeds; with a simple touch. Without hesitation I loved Katie completely, and I knew from her adoring gaze that she truly loved me the same. We all loved Katie, and we always will; know that she loved you too.

Katie and I covered vast distances, through cities, forests, and deserts; we shared our deepest fears and darkest thoughts. We saw things few others have seen. We indulged in the glory of natures's abundance. We stood atop volcanos and dove beneath oceans. We scrambled for a flame to light the ancient stairwells of a Corsican citadel. We scared each other over the open doors we thought we had shut. We relished each other's humor. We longed for each other's touch.

We became one, inseparable; such that even now though her body is gone, I can never remove the love and the light that is infused into the very core of my being; its golden thread entwined throughout the souls of my children and of her friends.

Through time and space, Katie will be my light that never goes out.

Kristin Aguirre (Friend)

KT (that’s how she wrote her name on quick notes) was my best friend. It won’t be a surprise to me if many people write this same sentiment throughout these tributes because Katie’s capacity for love in her heart and in her mind was limitless. Just recently I expressed to KT how she had the magical power of staying in touch with so many friends in so many cities. She agreed that it was wonderful to have so many people she considered friends.

Katie and I met in her first year and my second year of undergrad at UCLA. I had never met a more worldly young person. She was city slick and I was suburb shy. She looked for friends and I hoped friends would find me. Luckily, Katie and Kandle found and adopted me when we all worked at Jimmies’- a campus coffee shop. I was in awe of KT’s style and vibe. She was genuine and sweet, wild and adventurous, empathetic and academic. Katie helped me see the world through a more compassionate lens. She found it easy to accept and love people with all of their similarities, differences, fabulousness and faults. More than once she reminded me that people, including myself, are quick to judge what they don’t understand. Katie made it her life to understand and helped others do the same.

I could always be me when I was with Katie. I could hang out all day and check out when everyone was going dancing and that was ok with her. Katie understood that we were different in many ways but still had so much in common. We loved to read, we loved to garden, we loved going to yoga, and we loved that our children grew to be wonderful friends like their moms. We were so lucky to be friends for all our adult lives. We lived in the same neighborhood for about ten years- we met for breakfast, took long walks, took our kids to the park.

At first, when she told me that she was moving to Portland I was selfishly sad. But the delight she expressed when she described the beauty of her new home and city erased all of my sadness. Although I only got to visit with her once in Portland, I will always cherish the love she exuded when we hugged for the first time in more than a year. We spent three days together- a lovely hotel, a private lunch at an extraordinary winery, a spa day. After all of our planned activities were done, we simply went to KT’s house and did everyday things. She walked me through the yard and told me her garden plans, we sat and had sparkling water and juice at the kitchen counter, and we walked the dog. I didn’t know then that it would be the last time we’d be together on this earth, but I wouldn’t change a thing. She was my everyday friend and we joyfully did everyday things together.

Cecile Do (Friend)

It has been difficult to think of how I wanted to pay tribute to my dear friend Katie. I'm in shock and still can’t believe she’s no longer here with us. There is no way to make my tribute short because Katie had so many amazing qualities and was a one-of-a-kind lady.

I met Katie in 1993 at UCLA. She was one of the coolest and smartest people I'd met; I loved her the moment I met her. We instantly became lifelong friends and have stayed best friends for many decades. Katie was someone that always made me feel like I were the most important person in the room. She was a great listener and always gave me good advice in life. I admired her so much and loved her philosophy on life.

She was never judgmental and was always open minded with everyone she met. It seems to be the trend with everyone that speaks of Katie, because it’s so true. She was a outstanding, beautiful human being with a heart of gold.

She was always so much fun to be around. One of my favorite things to do with Katie was dancing to house music or going to a music concert or art opening. She and I had very similar tastes in music and art and it was always a joy to share our favorites together. Like Kristin mentioned, Katie was a friend that you could just hang out with a do daily household things with and that’s ok too. We just loved being together and the bond of sisterhood and friendship was always so special and effortless. Katie was the most easy going person.

I loved going out with Steve and Katie to shows because they were always so chill and loving. Ayana and I both agreed that they were our gold standard for couples and that yes, you can have it all. They managed to raise two beautiful children together and a create a home filled with loving pets and harmony. Katie had an awesome career that she worked very hard to achieve and managed to balance work life, a loving family, and stay connected with all her friends.

I loved chatting on the phone with Katie. She was a great conversationalist with her soft spoken voice, she could still command all the attention in a loud room.

She was always in the moment with me. In many ways it was great because I always felt caught up with her life and everyone else around it that I loved in just 30 minutes of conversation with her. Once we were on the phone together, she was going through a box of ugly fruit and veggies that she had delivered to the house once a week by local farmers. She mentioned to me, “oh I’m excited to try out this rutabaga and radishes”… I loved that about Katie.

She was was always doing something down to earth and cared so much for our planet. She was never wasteful even when it came to buying clothes. Katie would prefer vintage second hand clothing always over something new and current at a store. It was another great connection we had with each other, our love of vintage clothing and all things retro.

I could go on and on about all the reasons why I will forever miss Katie. She was truly a wonderful best freind that I was so proud to know and love. I will cherish my memory of Katie forever. I will never get over the loss of my dear freind but I’m thankful that she has come into my life and made it so special. She has taught me a great lesson of treasuring and appreciating friends and family and all people. She has taught me to be a better person because when I was with her, I always felt like she brought out the best in me. Katie will forever be in my heart. She’s all around me in my daily life.

I always smile when I think of her. That’s what I want to remember about Katie is that she always made me smile and I miss her so much.

Monique Long (Friend)

Katie was a beautiful friend of mine who I will miss forever. She was very loving, kind, open, non judgmental, bright, funny and so fun. We had the best times together with our kids, sipping coffee, having lots of adventures together with our kids. Our kids were also best friends and loved their sleepovers together and anytime together over the years. I could tell Katie anything and everything and she was always insightful and supportive. I will miss her and our friendship. Hope to see you again one day my friend. ❤️❤️❤️ I still can’t believe you’re gone.

Lionel Uhry (Friend)

Before I even knew Katie, I knew Katie. We used to run in some of the same circles in San Diego when I was young, and even back then, while we were just acquaintances, Katie had a certain magic about her. She was the kind of person that just made you smile, made you feel good about the world. It was to my surprise and delight that our paths crossed again some years later when I started a life-long friendship with Justin, his wife Kristin, and Steve.

That was well over 20 years ago, and I can honestly say that every single time that I saw Katie, I always felt the same way. She made me comfortable, she made me smile, and she always made the day a little brighter. I don't know how she did it, I guess it was just that magic she had, and I will miss it.

Alex Lee (Colleague)

I met Katie at UCLA when we started working on different public health projects in the same department. I did not know anyone and was in over my head. One day across the hall, I noticed that she had the same administrative struggles. We started talking, and then we became lifelong friends. Katie was always my definition of a friend. She met up with you no matter how busy she was with work or family; took your call no matter what time of day it was, and she heard you out with such compassion and empathy.

She was also my role model because she always did so much in her carer and personal life, yet she with such grace, commitment, and warmth. She thrived everywhere she went, and she was always there when you needed help. She was not just a fantastic friend, colleague, coworker, mother, but just a fantastic human being. One who I learned so much from and so privileged to get have so many moments with her. I miss her so much.

Brenda Simmons (Colleague)

I knew Katie as a colleague when she worked for LA County, and then I was her supervisor on the work she did for us in San Diego County. I always had great respect for her. I thought about what she taught me about being a white woman promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She helped me understand some of my BIPOC staff better. And she always went out of her way to tell me what a great supervisor I was. Although, I never really saw her in that light. She had such great knowledge, experience, and a gentle way about her. Katie is still brought up a lot in our office.; she felt like a friend.

Meredith Gibson (Colleague)

Katie was a dear colleague. We bonded over our love of mapping and often exchanged ideas to help move our work forward. But her proudest achievement was, by far, being a mom to Owen and Chloe.

Neina Gordon (Friend)

Katie was such a wonderful human being. She had been a friend since middle school and she was always so uniquely herself; she was spunky, wicked-smart, compassionate, fun, creative, and a good friend. I am so sorry for her family's loss and hope they know how much joy Katie brought to those of us who were lucky enough to have had her touch our lives.

Elsa Ventura (Colleague)

I am so sorry for your loss. May Katherine's soul rest in peace and may God welcome her in His Heavenly Kingdom.

Martha Ruiz (Colleague)

Your Daughter, Wife, Mother, Sorry for your love one, on her passing, She was a very nice Coworker, pleasant.

Janet Paul (Colleague)

Catherine was a wonderful to work with, she was kind and she had a beautiful spirit. May the memories and the love she had for her family be forever etch in your heart and in the corners of your mind. May you feel the strength of Jesus Christ as he is carrying right now through this difficult time. Catherine is at peace and she is sleeping in the Loving Arms of Jesus Christ now.

Chris Sorvari (Colleague)

Katie was so fun to work with. She was always open to new ideas and often was the first to chip in. I watched her as she moved a group through new work with a subtle touch, leading from behind. She made the group's confusion ok and didn't rush. She made space for all to contribute and feel that all ideas were valid/good. She was curious. Personally, we talked about raising kids, our families' lineage, snowboarding and Gap sweat pants. I miss her.

Deborah Glick (Colleague)

Catherine worked with me at UCLA when she pursued her doctoral degree in public health . She was a wonderful student and person. So very sad to hear of her passing. She juggled family, work, and study and had so much to contribute to our field. I know she was dedicated to her family and will be missed by all of us at the Fielding School of Public Health.

Tracy O'Connor (Colleague)

My heart goes out to all who loved Catherine, may your memories of her stay dear to your heart and help you in the healing process.