SALEM – Katherine (Kate) Bowers Wallinga – devoted mother, beloved wife, avid storyteller, and compassionate clinician – passed away on February 10th, 2024, at the age of 46. She battled years of illness with unwavering strength and grace and made those around her feel special and important despite her failing health.

Kate was born on May 30th, 1977, in Utica, New York, and raised in Endicott, New York. She attended Clarkson University, where she discovered her passion for studying psychology. Following graduation in 1998, Kate moved to Boston, Massachusetts to pursue master's degrees in criminal justice and psychology from Suffolk University. She completed additional doctoral-level coursework in clinical psychology at Antioch New England University. She dedicated her professional career to the field of mental health and used her expertise and compassion to guide and support those in need, leaving an indelible impact on countless lives.

Kate met her soulmate, Willem on this journey while at Clarkson University. Their bond grew stronger over the years, and they married on October 14, 2000. Throughout their 23 years of marriage, Kate and Willem shared the responsibilities of attending school, starting a family, and establishing independent careers. He was the rock – sturdy and able to weather the storms – and she was the lighthouse, providing direction, guidance, and comfort in rough seas. They spent time living in New Hampshire, and ultimately settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 2009, where they raised their four children.

Kate's health began to deteriorate in 2010, and many of her career aspirations were cut short. However, despite the many personal challenges she faced, she continued to dedicate her life to raising her children and supporting her husband. She also became an accomplished knitter, joining local and online communities to share patterns and exchange personalized gifts. She loved traveling to yarn shops, attending fiber festivals, and introducing others to knitting as a therapeutic tool.

In 2018, Kate embarked on a new venture, starting her own podcast, Ignorance Was Bliss. Through this platform, she collected stories aimed at exploring how we become who we are.  Her words and comforting presence resonated with her listeners, and she developed a loyal following around the world.

Kate is survived by her adoring husband, Willem Wallinga, her children; Skyler, Jessie, Isaac, and Danielle, and her sisters; Sarah and Mary Bowers. She will be dearly missed, forever remembered, and her compassion and love will continue to echo within the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Kate's memory to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as a fitting tribute to her life's work and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.  "You Matter."

Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM - www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Web: https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=1