Kate was born in Englewood, N.J. to Beverly and Raymond Ouderkirk and moved to Summit, N.J. at the young age of one.  Childhood summers were spent on Green Lake in upstate NY and in California. College took her to the Boston area and although college didn't work out for her she remained in the Boston area.

She established a charming artisan shop in Winchester and created original sterling silver jewelry which she sold along with works from other craftspeople.  Kate's Old English Sheepdog/Ariedale mix, Clancy was a great companion and later gave her 12 puppies with his mate Sasha.  Molly was the puppy she kept to raise.  While living in Wakefield she became involved with the Wakefield Neighborhood Association that raised money to restore historic sites by organizing arts and crafts shows.  Kate suggested moving the festival to Lake Qaunnapowitt and renaming it "The Festival by the Lake" which has remained a main event for the past 40 years.  Kate also provided financial help to a new local television program called "The Total Woman" which was created by a close friend, and which featured female guests and an all-female crew.  During these years Kate found work at Harvard and various businesses working in the administrative field and eventually founded a transcription business when she moved to Kittery, ME in 1994. She bought a cute cape cod house and furnished it with auction finds and unique treasures.  Kate's interests included movies, music, dancing and most of all, laughing, but her purpose was always to help and take care of those around her.

Faced with health issues these last 6 months, Kate had undergone various surgeries, but in the end her loving heart could take no more and she passed away in her beloved home surrounded by her faithful dog Weezie and cat Charlie.

Kate is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Sue Ouderkirk and John Daher, niece Katy Daher (Wilson Fish) and daughter Skylar, and nephew Alex (Chelsea) Daher and sons Carson and Brayden.  Kate's family, extended family, and friends will always remember her as a loving, free-spirited, talented artist. We encourage everyone to remember Kate in their own special way and to raise a glass or two to her spirit.

Any donations can go to a favorite charity or a local animal shelter. Care for the Ouderkirk family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.