Remembering Kathy Peter

It is with a heavy heart that I communicate the news that Dr. Kathy Peter passed away on the morning of November 4 after three years of struggle with early-onset cancer. Her family was by her side until the end, and she leaves behind her son Oliver and husband Jason. 

Kathy was a gifted research scientist at the Center for Urban Waters who worked on water quality, advanced mass spectrometry, and environmental health. Kathy was described by many as the smartest person they knew, as reflected by her receipt of the prestigious James J. Morgan Early Career Award in 2021. Kathy’s investigative studies, particularly her collaboration with the citizen scientists of the Miller-Walker Community Salmon Investigation, helped to link acute mortality events in stormwater-exposed coho salmon to highly toxic chemicals used within tire rubbers. Her work will help remove these chemicals from industry and lead to the development of non-toxic and salmon-safe tires.

Kathy loved living and working in Tacoma, and she and Jason were married in the Old Post Office building downtown. Kathy was a star softball player who could sling some unhittable pitches; she also hiked, cooked, made wonderful quilts, and enjoyed the beautiful outdoors of western Washington.

Kathy knew her colorectal cancer was incurable but sought to help others, particularly other women during their pregnancy, by sharing her health experiences. Earlier this year, she published the story, None of My Mom Friends Are Dying.

We were all lucky to know Kathy, and we thank all of those in our community who supported and helped her over these last years. We wish her son Ollie a happy third birthday (as of yesterday) and offer our deepest condolences and support to her husband Jason as he embarks upon life without Kathy. She will be deeply missed by us all. 

For anyone who is looking for additional support during this time, the Washington EAP offers free counseling to all UW benefits-eligible employees. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them at their website eap.wa.gov or by phone at (877) 313-4455. Employees and their family members can access the confidential WA EAP any time of day, seven days a week to gather information or talk to a local professional counselor. WA EAP has a knowledgeable, diverse and multilingual counselor network who will connect you to resources that can help.