Katherine Anne Cahill

Some people become artists, some become inventors, others become doctors or lawyers, musicians, engineers or perhaps scientists. Regardless of one’s chosen pursuit, one thing that binds those who have found success in life is that somewhere along the way, a skilled and caring teacher came into their lives. A teacher who molded them into their success story. Someone who showed deep interest in them where others may not have. There aren’t enough of these uniquely gifted souls. Those who are put on Earth to develop others while caring little, or not at all, about their own fate. Katherine Anne Cahill was one such teacher. Unfortunately, an aggressive form of breast cancer took her from us only days after her diagnosis. Unfair? It may feel that way right now, but that’s not for us to judge. Perhaps we all have things God needs us to accomplish while in the Earthly realm, and once accomplished, it’s time to come home. If this is the case, it makes perfect sense that Kate was called home so soon after her arrival.

Her accomplishments haven’t always been displayed on walls or in trophy cases, though some of them certainly have. The accomplishments she cares most about though are the young people who surround her now. She is truly loved. This love is on full display as we celebrate her life. Her spirit is carried on by her two beautiful children, Lucy (4) and Jack (10 mo.), and her incredibly loving husband and best friend, John. Her parents, Bonnie and Terry Miller are heartbroken, but know they are blessed to have brought such a beautiful soul into this world.

Kate was brought up through the St. Andrews family and always seemed to be awarded the annual “Peace-Maker” medal given to the student who displayed leadership in times of class distress. Her sister Kelly and her brother Rob credit her birth to ending what they call their “Ten Year War,” an epic brother-sister tilt that could only be calmed by the birth of a distracting baby sister. She brightened the lives of her mother and father-in-law, Tim and Suzanne Cahill. There is no greater gift in the world than when one scores “Bonus Parents” through marriage, not to mention a bonus brother and two bonus sisters-in-law. Kate loved Dave, Catherine and Annie and was so thankful they came into her life.

Kate was famous for letting people know when it was time to, “get with the program.” The program she would want us all to get with today is ridding the world of the despicable bad actor that is breast cancer. We can all champion this program for her through the Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer research and we ask that you consider this worthy charity the next time you are in position to give.

While our hearts are broken, we know we must “get with the program”, for there are many more problems to solve and people to teach. Because of Kate, we know how to do just that, and she would expect nothing less. Kate, you are deeply loved. We are really going to miss you. But trust us when we say you are free to explore the heavens. We’ll see you again soon enough. For now, trust us when we say, “We got this.”

We all love you Kate