The University mourns the passing of Kathleen S. Webster (Cady), associate teaching professor of psychology, who died Thursday, Sept. 26, after a battle with cancer. She was 70 years old.
Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Nancy Cady (McGuirk). She is survived by her nieces and nephews Alisha Cady, Christopher Cady and Shannon Cady; as well as her aunt and uncle, Donna and Curt Tietze. She is predeceased by her siblings Arthur Cady, Daniel Cady and Richard Cady.
Described as a vibrant personality who was loved by everyone she met, Webster taught at URI in the Department of Psychology for many years. Her focus was teaching required courses for undergraduate students in quantitative statistics and introduction to psychological research methods. She also had a passion for mentoring, becoming an advisor to dozens of undergraduate students.
Webster received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Alaska Southeast in 1995, and her Master’s and Ph.D. in behavioral science psychology from URI in 2001. She had a particular love of quantitative methods and research, and was a natural at teaching and inspiring others in these areas that were often shunned or feared by students. Although she was in high demand for her work as a statistician, her love of teaching always beckoned her, to the delight of her students.
“Kate was a remarkable and vibrant person, with a passionate love of people and life,” said Lisa Harlow, professor emerita of psychology at URI. “Throughout all her studies and beyond, she always maintained a positive and gracious attitude toward everyone and all that she did. Her students and colleagues were thrilled to have her generously sharing her joyous spirit and keen mind. What an incredible person who will leave wonderful memories for all of us. Such an enormous loss. What a privilege to have known her.”
When she was not helping her students achieve their goals, you’d find Webster on the back of her boat, Outlier, listening to Jimmy Buffet with her dog Homer. In addition to family members, she leaves behind her close friends, colleagues and students.
A celebration of her life will take place in the future and will be open to all who loved her.
Read the full obituary here.