The Latest Dirt - Jan 2024

In Memoriam: Kathy Gage

By Simone Adair

It was with sadness that we learned of our friend and colleague Kathy Gage’s passing on Saturday, January 6, after a long battle with cancer. When I became Editor of The Latest Dirt, Kathy quickly volunteered to help in any capacity needed. She wrote and helped edit many articles for our internal newsletter. Kathy was always available with advice or as a last-minute writer. She always brightened my day with her quick wit and thoughtfulness.

She was equally helpful to Hedwig Van Den Broeck, the Editor of our external newsletter, the News to Grow By. Hedwig said, “Although Kathy notified me early on that she would no longer be able to actively assist in the creation of the NtGB newsletter, the tragic news of her death nonetheless came as a shock."

“Kathy only contributed two articles to NtGB because she preferred working as an editor,” Hedwig added. “Her enthusiasm for books and the written word in general and the enormous amount of knowledge she accumulated over the years made her an invaluable member of our editorial team. Even when Kathy had to slow down, I still would find links to news articles in my inbox that we could utilize for the next issue of NtGB. Thank you so much, Kathy!”

Kathy attended the 2013 class in Richmond, California. Her carpool classmates were Ann Noll, Greg Doyle and Bonnie Dwyer. Bonnie said, “Kathy was so proud to be a Master Gardener. She wanted everyone to know the breadth and depth of this great organization we call Master Gardeners.”

“While her illness curtailed much of her work with the organization, she took every opportunity to sing the praises of the Master Gardener Program with friends and strangers alike.”

Kathy often worked at the San Ramon Ask A Master Gardener booth with Greg Doyle. They shared a passion for reading and often exchanged books.

“Kathy and I spent many a Peet’s coffee klatch talking about Ireland as we both had various degrees of Irish provenance and liked the same Irish authors,” Greg said. “I was introduced to several Irish authors by Kathy; she was a voracious reader with eclectic tastes. We read all of Adrian McKinty’s novels, sometimes each of us waiting expectantly for our library to make the latest one available and comparing our place in the queue. The protagonist of those novels is a Catholic detective in a Protestant constabulary in Ulster during the troubles; great conversation fodder for us.”

Greg added, “While Kathy was in hospice care at John Muir, I got a chance to talk to her husband, Bill Gage, and he told me that last year, on their trip to Ireland, Kathy made contact with a relative, a second cousin. Going to Ireland was a long-time dream of Kathy’s that she discussed often; meeting a relative was a very pleasant surprise, according to Bill."

“Kathy and I took care of each other’s yards when we were away on trips, had the odd glass of wine when visiting each other’s house, solved most political problems, and enjoyed each other’s company. I’ll miss her.”

There will be a Celebration of Life the last weekend of March, which coincides with Kathy’s birthday. Details to follow as we receive them. Cards can be sent to:

Bill Gage
3217 Ensenada Drive
San Ramon CA 94583