If you knew Katherine, then there's no need to explain what's been lost.  If you didn't, then know this: She fought for you even though she did not know you.  Her's was the voice we heard that spoke against marriage inequality, gave us hope and guidance for the future, and helped form a better community.  As a founding member of OCEC, she was integral not only in creating an organization that promotes equality, but also in establishing a progressive force in Orange County.  

As a law professor at Chapman University, she was a respected educator who challenged her students to think critically.  As a fellow activist, she used her knowledge and experience in the legal field to seek justice and create change for issues like marriage inequality and government sanctioned torture. As a person, she was a caring wife and mother, a brilliant and driven colleague, and a thoughtful and inspiring friend.  

We are deeply saddened by this loss to our OCEC family.  Katherine was a strong, courageous, and brilliant advocate for the LGBT community and she will truly be missed by us all.  She has our eternal gratitude and love for everything she did and for being exactly who she was.  Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family.