Catherine "Kate" Martin Franklin

A tribute from Kate's husband, Robert, follows:

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, my wife passed away peacefully due to cardiomyopathy, leaving a big hole in my life. Kate was my best friend, wife, and confidant. I met Kate the summer of my senior year in veterinary school and fell in love right away. Three months after meeting, she agreed to marry me, and we were married on June 30, 1979.

We traveled during our marriage and lived in New York City, Los Angeles, Columbia, Missouri, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and finally settled in Portland, Oregon in 1988. We loved to visit many countries in the world and especially loved river cruises. We have taken several river trips throughout Europe. We both particularly loved Paris.

We were able to travel to Brisbane, Australia where her mother lived before moving to the United States with Kate’s dad after World War II. While visiting Brisbane, she discovered her mother's house and the fact that it is listed as a historic home of Brisbane.

Kate was a veterinary technician for 30 years and retired after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a breast cancer survivor for 25 years.

Kate had a great love for gardening and was a master gardener. Her pride and joy was her garden. Visitors to our house were always amazed by how beautiful the yard is. She volunteered at the zoo in the horticultural department and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels.

I owe Kate more than I can ever express. Because of her love and understanding, I was able to achieve my goals in my profession.

Kate, you were my soul mate, best friend, wife, and confidant. Words cannot express how much I love you and need you. I will miss you more than I can express and love you more than I can explain. I promise to take care of your garden with the same love and care you did.

You will be in my heart for the rest of my life, and I am looking forward seeing you again when I pass.

Kate leaves behind her husband Robert Franklin, brother Patrick Martin and his wife Kim, and sister Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Providence St. Vincent Heart Institute through Providence Foundations of Oregon by selecting "Heart" from the "I would like to support" dropdown menu at the following link: https://give.providencefoundations.org/stvincent?pk_vid=f141e1b598443fcc17343686074184d2

Please feel welcome to share your condolences, memories, and photos on this page to be seen by all who knew and loved Kate.