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NORDAHL, Katharine (Kate) Willrich Of Westwood, died peacefully at home on August 15, 2018. Kate was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1966 to Mason Willrich and Patricia Rowe Willrich. Kate lived in Charlottesville, Princeton, NJ, and Palo Alto, CA, before graduating from Brown University. She earned a master's degree in Health Care Policy and Management from the Harvard School of Public Health. Kate was a passionate advocate for providing health care to everyone – particularly to vulnerable persons – and she zealously devoted her productive career to that goal. She spent many years in leadership positions within MassHealth in roles that ranged from directing the MassHealth managed care program to designing the Senior Care Options program for seniors. Kate also served as Assistant Commissioner for the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, where she led the agency's work monitoring the impact of the state's health reform law and analyzing health care cost trends in the Commonwealth. In her final professional role, Kate worked at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation directing the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI). In 2016, Kate was honored with the Boston Center for Independent Living's Marie Feltin Award for her work advancing innovative Medicaid policy in Massachusetts. In August 2018 the Massachusetts House of Representatives issued a Resolution honoring Kate's "lifetime of dedicated public service." The resolution noted, in part, that Kate "possesses a unique combination of intelligence, dedication and perseverance, good judgment, humor and kindness and that she is universally loved by all of her colleagues." When she wasn't working, Kate most enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Stinson Beach, CA, and Long Pond in Plymouth. Kate was the beloved wife of Erik Nordahl and cherished and adored mother of Emery Nordahl and Tommy Nordahl. Kate is survived by her father and stepmother, Mason and Wendy Willrich of Piedmont, CA and three older brothers and their respective families: Christopher and Susan Willrich (nephews Mason and Quinn) of Piedmont, CA; Stephen Willrich (nephew and niece Henry and Grace) of San Anselmo, CA; and Michael and Wendy Willrich (nephew and niece Max and Emily), of Wellesley. Kate's life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, August 25, at 4 p.m. at First Parish Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Dedham, with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kate Willrich Nordahl Fellowship Fund at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, DBA President and Fellows of Harvard College, P.O. Box 419209, Boston, MA 02241 by check or online at hsph.harvard.edu/giving please specifically note the Kate Willrich Nordahl Fellowship Fund). The fellowship will support a graduate student who has demonstrated passion and commitment to social justice and health equity. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Dedham 781-326-0500
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I had been out of touch with Kate and did not know of her passing until I sat down today to reach out and send birthday greetings. I am so very sad to hear of her passing, and my heart is full for Erik, Tommy, and Emery. What a wonderful woman and friend she was. Clear, bright, honest, loving, and full of integrity and joy. I can still hear her voice, and will carry this loving memory forward with me. My deepest condolences to her family as she is remembered on her birthday.
Jenny Ruhl
Friend
December 19, 2020
I am so sorry Erik Tommy and Emery.
Will Thomas
December 11, 2019
I just found out about your Kate, Erik, and I'm so sorry. I love you.
Your friend, Jessica (Davey) Barrett (and Josh)
October 10, 2018
A privilege to have known her.
jean mcguire
August 28, 2018
So incredibly sorry for your loss. You have all been on my mind a great deal in these last months. I wish I could have been there for the memorial, but I'm glad that at least my parents were able to make it and represent the Taylors. Kate was truly an amazing person and she will be missed.
Philip Taylor
August 26, 2018
We only knew you and your family for a short time but your light will be forever in our hearts. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers forever. R.I.P Kate
Janet Luongo
Friend
August 24, 2018
Thinking of her kindness.
Wishing you all the comfort of her everlasting love.
The Rotondo Family (Downey School)
August 20, 2018
Gone too soon! Kate, may God grant you eternal rest. Amen.
Kate's family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Anne Medinus
August 19, 2018
Kate and I had many fun times together in Providence, RI. The world has lost a good and kind soul. Sending my deepest and most heartfelt condolences.
Rachel Masch
August 18, 2018
Love you Kate
Sarah Ali
August 18, 2018
Please accept my deepest condolences. Sending peace, and comfort to you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Amy Conrardy
Amy Conrardy
August 18, 2018
My heartfelt sympathies , Erik, Emery, Tommy,
Debbie Spector
August 17, 2018
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Aug
25
4:00 p.m.
First Parish Church (Unitarian Universalist)
Dedham, MA
Funeral services provided by:
George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home456 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026
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