I’m so sorry to have just heard about Kate’s passing last year.  She was a light to all she encountered.  Prayers for your family, especially Roman.  She loved him fiercely.  
Jeanie

I recently had the privilege of meeting Kate when she moved in to our apartment in Charlottesville to be closer to work. She was awesome, so sweet and kind hearted. She spoke so much about her son and her husband I could tell that they are the most important thing to her. From the little time I got to spend with Kate I could tell she was a hard working woman who loved to laugh and have fun! And cared so much about others. She will be missed greatly but we should never forget the impact she had on those around her even with such little time she had to spend with them.. My sincerest condolences to Kate’s family you are in my prayers! 

Alice and Tom,
I haven’t seen you or your family for years but I do remember how your girls were the center of your universe. And. especially the joy and laughter in your voice when you spoke of them.  So please know that we’re thinking of you at this most difficult time.

Toni & Larry Shaw

Sweet Kate...We have more touching memories than we can share here.  We first knew your heart when "The Spillane girls" knocked at our door just after we moved to North Carolina.  You welcomed us to the neighborhood by celebrating Ryan's 13th birthday. You arrived with a cake with 13 candles burning.  You asked, Ryan, "Do you want us to sing Happy Birthday forward, backward, high or low?" Ryan chose backward and low.  You delivered.   The rest is our shared history.   Sunday mass snuggling close while you wore my jewelry.  A special night at Topsail beach where you jumped out of the closet.  To say you were the life of the party is an understatement.  You achieved so much, saved so many babies, touched so many lives.  You will live on through your awesome son, Roman.  You are gone from this life, to a better place, but not forgotten. Thank you for all the ways you have touched our lives and our hearts. 
Love you forever,
The Keelers

My brother and sister-- " the twins' as they are affectionately known , shared such wonderful memories of Kate and the Spillane's and of our Reunion weekends. I guess being 12years older I was not always involved directly in the shenanigans.

However,  I have different memories of Mrs. Spillane, [Alice ]coming to the house pregnant with Kate after the twins were born--there was only 6months age difference - and the happiness and joy everyone felt on Kate's arrival.  

The Spillane girls were always such a tight unit and I always admired their bond.  

I remember fondly the  very Politically "Correct " Supremes Karaoke Act the Girls and Tom did at Mary Alyce's one summer-- we all could not stop the laughter.

 I wish you all love and strength as you move on in life without Kate.  

Helen xx

The staff at Vidant Medical Center NICU loved Kate.  She was smart, a quick learner who was here to soak in as much as she possibly could.  Her expertise in neonatal nursing was evident but it was her bright personality that brought joy to our office.  She was thrilled to watch Dr Jill Sutton in the OR.  She was so proud of her family and her son.  We had hoped that Kate would come back to us but it was not meant to be.  Our sincerest condolences and prayers to Kate’s loved ones.  

I have many wonderful memories with Kate but I found some photos that I feel really sum up the essence of my favorite Kate qualities:  her sense of fun, her good nature, and her amazing sense of humor.  

At Enloe, we were waiting for the bus to take us to an away game and I had this stupidly large duffel bag.  Kate decided she wanted to see if we could fit a person into it.  So, she folded herself up, got in, and we somehow managed to zip her up and carry her around for a little bit.  I happened to have my camera with me and snapped photos of the folding, the lifting, and her eventual escape from the duffel bag.  It was totally ridiculous but absolutely perfect.

I cherish these fond memories and laughter and will carry Kate with me in my heart. 

“You da best,” Kate texted. That was an example of the texts and emails at all hours that I would receive over the many years working with her in the Duke NICU that made me smile. She was such a strong patient advocate, never afraid to ask questions, and always looking for ways to improve things.

We were pregnant at the same time, and I will never forget during our last trimester when she yelled at me for running to a Code. Afterward, she felt bad about it and apologized even though no apology was needed.  We both agreed that we would only “speed waddle” from then on.

She cared about people, and her compassion for others was palpable. Dear Alice, in this way, she reminded me so much of you. My heart breaks for your family and Roman, whom she was so proud of and shared so many stories about. 

I pray you are uplifted by comfort during this time. 
Love, Chi Dang Hornik

As I  remember, Kate is  someone who  could break down the barriers of race and age. She always initiated the conversations if you saw her. When she was  in the company of Filipino nurses at work she tried to speak the language and was very keen in remembering words she had learned. Like  what others have shared she made us laugh!  "Our Kate" is gone just what our colleagues have said but we will always reminisce  the times we have shared!
To Alice and family, I pray that  the  Peace  Grace and Love of our Lord Jesus Christ dwell in your hearts.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Spillane, Brenna, Jill, Amy, and Roman,

Words cannot express the deep sorrow I felt and feel with you at this difficult time.  Like Brian and Maureen already wrote, I remember our summer Reunion weekends fondly.

I remember Maureen and I waiting impatiently for the arrival of the Spillane Volkswagen and that the first thing Kate wanted to do was go to Cheap John’s so that we could load up on silly string, bang snaps and party poppers for the weekend.  Kate was the first to adopt the songs and nicknames of our parents.  She jovially referred to the women as the “Bellevue Beautes”, wore her orange “I say R” shirt with pride and sang “Reunion dooty oot datty adda” on a loop all weekend.  We swam in the Atlantic Ocean, competed in beach paddle ball, ran around the Ponquogue gray and red beach stand, and ate cold cut sandwiches.  We coerced our parents, with full coolers and snacks, into buying us beach stand crinkle cut French Fries and King Cones.  We swung Badminton rackets until twilight and, after sunset, hid in the Faraguna’s hedges to escape the “Ghost in the Graveyard”.  When American athletes arrived in Barcelona for the 1992 Summer Olympics, Kate Spillane did a cartwheel on a Remsenburg make-shift balance beam (a piece of wood pulled from a Mary Alice project) and competed in karaoke.    

We remained in touch sporadically as adults and it seems like we shared another parallel experience over the years, which I wish I had known of sooner.  She is gone too soon but I will forever hold our memories in my heart and work in her memory.  

Please know, despite the workings of time and distance, I love all of you dearly and the depth of sympathy I feel for you is great.  When the waves of grief crash, and the pain feels too terrible to bear, I pray that you feel the calm of an Atlantic Ocean breeze and feel Kate’s presence with you.

May God hold all of you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time,
JTC

Kate was brilliant in many ways, one of the smartest people I knew,  but then she had some great teachers (“Mother Superior”) for one! She was a very kind soul too and that is reflected in her son Roman. Her skills and expertise could have changed and saved so many lives and while she was here she “did good” with those she cared for, I say kind but fierce also, as a patient advocate she was a force to be reckoned with and did not wither or waiver in her concerns Or speaking for her baby patients. I will miss you my friend, but you finally found peace and although you leave a void, true friends and family will never forget you and will always cherish our memories of you.  Love Kim

Kate was a loud, spunky coworker, but also smart as a whip! She had a big heart too. The memory that comes to me began one morning in 2013 as we walked into work together from the parking lot. She told me her friend was at Duke and in danger of delivering prematurely and she was worried. At the end of our shift we happened to walk out together and she said the Drs were probably going to deliver the baby but she was extremely small. Kate wanted to see her but had decided not to because she was nervous and didn't know what to say. I told her, "No, we are going to go see her. I'll go with you." We ended up encouraging her and praying with her (that was the first time I had ever felt the Holy Spirit tell me with a strong urge to pray with someone). The next day Kate told me the baby had been delivered and was in our unit. Kate asked me to be her primary because she was too close and didn't feel she could navigate that territory. I felt really honored that she would ask me. She knows I love my primaries as my own children.  We also sat together at that baby's funeral. I know God brought that baby here and took her back to heaven for a reason. And even though we may never know this side of heaven, I know God is good and has a plan and Kate's life and death are in his plan. To Alice, Tom and to Kate's sisters, I pray that you find peace and remember her life with joy.

You were the sister I never had and I cherish every moment of our friendship. You are truly one in a million Kate and I hope you know how much you meant to me. Thank you for so many wonderful years of your positivity, wit, silliness and love. Sending so much healing energy to your family during this difficult time. 

From your Enloe High School friends and cheerleaders- We love you so much. 💕

I am so very sorry to hear such tragic news.  The first time I met Kate was at the beach on a vacation.  She was loud and boisterous and we hit it off immediately. I cannot fathom how someone so full of life can be gone from our sight. My sincere condolences to her family, especially to Roman, who is a sweet and exceptional young man. Soar with the eagles Kate....

Dear Alice, Tom, Brenna, Amy and Jill,

I am so heartbroken to hear about sweet Kate. Memories of my childhood with the 4 Spillane girls are forever my favorite. We ran around your backyard on Palmer Avenue, rode bikes and watched Little House. I remember when Kate was born and she used to chase us all over.  

I can't even imagine how hard this is. Lily and I are sending so much light and love to all of you during this painful time. 

Love, Michelle and Lily Howe

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Kate. Although we were just getting to know her at UVA, she made a huge impact. She so easily fit right into our group. She will be remembered by her infectious positive attitude and her laid back personality. Praying for your family and her sweet little boy.

To the Spillane family -

I was truly shocked and saddened to hear the news about Kate, and my heart goes out to you all during this difficult time.  I have such fond memories of Kate - sleepovers in the Hamptons, playing beach games at Ponquogue, swimming in our pool until it was dark - all these memories will always have a special place in my heart.  I only wish I could have seen Kate more often, as she was always a kind and fun person to be around.  My deepest condolences and love to all of you.

Brian

I am so saddened and shocked to hear the news of Kate. She was a beautiful soul inside&out. My prayers and deepest condolences to her parents Alice&Tom, her son Roman and to her sisters Brenna, Amy&Jill and their families. May God extend His Hand to all for peace...comforting all of you during this most difficult time. Love, Jane Takis


Dear Spillanes:

It brought me such heartache when I heard about the passing of Katie (KateBsweet). I have such fond memories of Katie when we were kids. The sleepovers with endless laughter, a heavier southern accent with each passing visit and the days on the playground at St.Anthonys. She grew up to be such a beautiful, intelligent and accomplished woman, a testament to her loving supportive family. All my love during this incredibly hard time. Find comfort in eachother. 
Love,
Maureen
(The little one)


Kate, I will miss your zaniness and infectious laugh, your ability to have fun... You never did anything half a**ed. You worked hard and played hard. You were strong willed... always. You were detail oriented, thorough, skilled . I was always amazed by your ability to remember everything you had read and could commit to memory. I watched you grow from a baby nurse to a skilled RN to an NNP .  You touched so many lives in the short time you were here on earth, so many families , so many sweet babies. You loved fiercely...Especially when it came to Roman and your folks.  Under that sometimes tough exterior lay a soft heart of gold. I’ll miss you friend .
My heart breaks for all of you on the loss of your daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend. 

You were the best thing that ever happen to me. Im so lucky i found you gave me the best thing in this world i could have ever ask for. You gave me Roman!! Ill miss you so much. U truly my one and only true love! I will never forget babe! 

Although my interactions with Kate were somewhat limited, her impact on my life is immense. Kate was there the day my tiny daughter was born and then she continued as one of her primary nurses at Duke.  My daughter lives today partly because of Kate’s skilled care.   Kate’s compassion spread well beyond the isolette bedside.  Kate told me once that Anne-Marie (my former preemie) taught her to believe in miracles; I will never forget that. My heart breaks for the unimaginable loss for her son, family, and friends.  My prayers and sincerest condolences are with the family. 

We didn’t know each other very well in high school, but I remember you as as joyful and energetic - always with a smile on your face. I am sad to hear the news. And I pray that the Lord overflows your family’s hearts with His love. 

Still in shock to hear that you're gone. You left an imprint on everyone who knew you and you'll never be forgotten. Sending love to your family. Love you forever, friend.

Hearing the news that you left us will always be one of the hardest things I ever had to comprehend. You were so full of life and love. You had a contagious laugh and a smile to match. You will be missed more than anyone will know. My heart breaks for your family. Rest in peace sister and know I love you.

I worked with Kate briefly in the ICN at Duke (back in 2007/2008). I didn’t know her very well, but she certainly stood out to me. What a friendly, warm, down to earth personality! I remember us talking about how scary it can be as a new nurse in the ICN. She was so genuine- no need to pretend she knew it all or that she wasn’t nervous. She seemed very tickled to get to work with her mom. I know she loved those babies so much and I’m pretty sure they loved her back. What a huge loss.  Sending love and strength to her family and friends.  

Kate was a bright light & beautiful person. We haven’t seen each other in years but through social media kept in touch. She had been exceptionally sweet as I became pregnant & had my 1st child this year. So much encouragement and warmth! I am so deeply sorry to learn of her passing and feel we’ve lost a shining star among us. My heart goes out to her family - especially her beautiful son, Roman. 

I am heartbroken over your tragic loss.  I will always remember being one of Kate's preceptors at Duke ICN.  She learned and excelled with such speed and grace.  My heart goes out to you, Tom, Alice and all the family.  My heart also goes out to all the Duke ICN Nursing family.... Once a Duke ICN Nurse, Always a Duke ICN  Nurse.  Love to all of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with Kate’s family and friends. I have no words to express the loss I feel and I only hope she knew how important she was to all of us.

I watched all of the Spillane girls grow up and I am just devastated by the untimely passing of Kate. Please know that I share in your sorrow and pray that she will now be at peace. 
My deepest sympathy to Tom, Alice, Brenna. Jill, Amy and all of your grandchildren.
Love,
Sherrel

My thoughts and prayers to the family of Kate Spillane. May God ever present be your comforter and strength. I remember her smile when we were in Enloe HS Women’s Choral.  

Kate was so kind and encouraging to me as a new nurse in the Duke ICN. I will always remember how she went out of her way to make sure I was okay after a tough shift when I was fresh off orientation. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers! 

My heart breaks for Kate and her family. We had chorus together for several years in high school and I have such fond memories of her. She was so kind, thoughtful, and caring. This is just devastating. 

I have not seen Kate since we graduated high school. Regardless, when I heard this news, I was immediately and greatly saddened. It is a testament to how kind and loving of a presence she was. My thoughts are with her friends and family at this time.

My prayers and sympathy to you and your family in the sudden death of dear Kate. She sounds like she was such an awesome person and would love to have known her. We are so happy to have Amy on our staff at St. Patrick School ...we send our love, comfort and support. 
Sr. Margaret Lamberty

Kate was an amazing nurse who took care of my sweet baby in the NICU! We loved her and she loved Emma! Thinking of her family during this unimaginable time!

Rest in peace, my beautiful friend. Thank you for 36 years of best friendship and wonderful memories. I love you forever. 
As we used to end our penpal letters...
P.S.   BFFAEAEUTEOT
P.P.S.   NY <3 NC

OBITUARY

Kate Elizabeth Spillane

January 3, 1983 – November 2, 2019

Apex Funeral Home

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