Katherine "Kate" Lord

Katherine "Kate" Lord, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in San Francisco, California, to parents Frank and Jean (Kellogg) Custer, Kate's vibrant spirit and zest for life left a great impact on her community and loved ones.
A graduate of Los Gatos High School and Colby College, Kate was known for her intelligence, wit, and unwavering commitment to public education and local politics. Preceding her retirement, she worked as a legal assistant at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, but her true passion lay in serving others. As a longtime resident of Point Richmond, California, she dedicated herself to public service, proudly serving as the leader of the "Stop Stink Committee" to reduce local refinery emissions, President of the Washington School PTA, a member of the Contra Costa County Grand Jury, and a two-term member on the Board of Richmond Unified School District, where her advocacy for public education became a cornerstone of her legacy.
Kate raised her two daughters, Hilary Lord (Charles Wright) of Eugene, Oregon, and Alison Lord of Portland, Oregon, with the same enthusiastic love she extended to many others. She was preceded in death by her sister Marcia Knapp, and is survived by her sister Jean Sevey of Mesa, Arizona, along with her adored grandsons, Issac and Josh Wright, whose lives she touched with joy and kindness. When her beloved nieces Trinka and Kari started families of their own, "Great Kate" filled in as surrogate grandmother to their children.
Her passions were diverse, ranging from her love for bridge and poker to the challenge of completing a jigsaw puzzle, with her loyal feline companion Dove by her side (or often on top of the puzzle). Kate was an avid knitter, gardener, and enjoyed concocting delicious meals, often with an old-fashioned in hand. Kate had a keen artistic eye for interior design, adding beauty and warmth to the spaces around her. She shared her joy of college sports with her grandsons, and their time together was filled with laughter and love. Kate's sense of adventure propelled her to travel around the world, yet she remained firmly rooted in her community, actively engaging in social clubs and causes close to her heart. When Kate moved to Oregon to be closer to family, she quickly became active in her retirement community, making cherished friends with residents and caregivers.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Kate could always rely on her wise counsel, infectious laughter, and unconditional support. She will forever be missed and remembered, as she has undeniably left the world a better place.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kate's honor to your local food bank or other community cause supporting people in need.