Kate Peach

09/14/1924 – 03/05/2012
Kate Peach died peacefully at the Whatcom Hospice House on March 5th, 2012.  Kate was born on September 14, 1924 at Camp Lewis, just outsideTacoma.  Her father, Alfred McMorris, was a career military man who retired as a General from the US Army.  Kate spent idyllic summers onBainbridgeIslandwith a large number of cousins and her only sister, Mary Jean, swimming, tap dancing and playing tennis.  Kate attended college at theUniversityofWashington, joining the Delta Gamma sorority and ultimately earning her Bachelor’s Degree.  While at theUniversityofWashington, Kate met Samuel Peach.  Kate and Sam were married for 59 years until Sam’s death in 2005.  They settled inBellinghamshortly after being married in 1946, where they raised their four boys, Matthew, Andrew, Charles and Todd.
Kate was a sportswoman all of her life.  She was an avid golfer, playing her last round late in 2011.  Sam often groused about how he had never had a hole-in-one playing golf while Kate had five.  Her skills were not just limited to the golf course. In the 50's Kate and Dewey Huston were theBellinghammixed doubles tennis champions.  Kate lived an energetic life with a wide number of friends.   Once her illness prevented her from being physically active, her health declined quickly.  Kate was someone who needed to be moving to be happy.
Kate had a circle of friends inBellinghamthat she and Sam enjoyed for nearly sixty years.   These friendships, loyal and enduring, were a testament to a generation of people who valued friendship over all else.  Kate has left behind a solid core of friends who will miss her energy, her sense of humor and her genuine interest their lives.
She is survived by her four sons, their spouses, many grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  A celebration of Kate’s life will take place at 4 PM on March 10th, 2012, at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club.  All that knew and loved Kate are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Whatcom Hospice House.