Kate Lanigan passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 15th, after a long struggle with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease. She was 68 years old. Kate led an inspiring and groundbreaking life as a midwife, a primary care practitioner, a sailor, back-to-the-land homesteader, feminist, community-builder, mother

and grandmother. Above all she was an adventurer, a caregiver and a rebel. She shared 30 years with life partner Kathy Schiffman, who died in 2010.

Born in Florida, she moved west to be part of the counterculture revolution. After her own transformative home birth experience, she trained as a home birth midwife, playing a key part in re-legitimizing this forgotten profession. Additionally Kate achieved her degree as a Physicians Assistant through Stanford and worked professionally

serving underserved populations.

She lived most of her life in Humboldt County, California and Vashon Island, Washington. She is survived by her children, Indigo Lewis and Sky Lanigan, their families, her sisters Linda Weiner and Annie Lanigan, and many, many friends. She will be remembered for her fierce and stubborn spirit, her love of life, of people and of the beauty of the world.

A gathering to celebrate her life was held Sunday, Nov. 8th, from 3-5 pm at the Snapdragon Café.

Paid Obituary.