It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our dear friend and Atlantic Chapter Chair, Kate Bartholomew, Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Kate touched so many lives and was a fearless warrior for justice, especially where there were threats to the natural world. For two decades she was a volunteer leader with the Sierra Club and for the past 8 years served as the chair of the Atlantic Chapter, managing the organization’s day-to-day environmental campaigns across New York State. Kate also served in many capacities within the national Sierra Club and was a forceful advocate for preserving the volunteer core and grassroots soul of the organization. She played a major leadership role in achieving NY’s fracking ban, fought tirelessly against the proliferation of nuclear energy and weaponry, and supported efforts to protect endangered species, wolves especially.
A life-long learner, Kate graduated from Watkins Glen High School, The Rugby School, Rugby England, Corning Community College, and Elmira College – earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. Her background as a high school science teacher grounded her as an advocate both in the careful establishment of fact and the patience and diplomacy to build agreement among the most strident activists.
By her own admission, Kate herself had a strident side and did not mince words when she felt passionate about an issue. It was that quality, along with her difficulty in saying “no” to any cause in need, that built Kate a following and advanced her to many leadership positions.
On Friday, October 2nd a memorial service honoring Kate was held at her family farm in Hector, NY. Against the backdrop of hilltop vineyard rows and the glimmering magnificence of Seneca Lake, over 100 people (and 1 low-swooping eagle) gathered to celebrate Kate’s life. As a slideshow of photos from all stages of her life scrolled by on a large screen, family, colleagues, friends and public officials took turns sharing stories and memories about Kate. Waves of grief and laughter passed through the crowd with each reminiscence or reading for the woman some called “Katie” “Cousin Kate” or “Ms. B”. An excerpt from J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Road Goes Ever On." was especially powerful as it felt as if it were written for Kate, who often joked she would be most comfortable living in Middle Earth. Many of Kate’s friends and family recounted her deep love of wolves and at one point the entire gathering shared a loud, communal wolf howl that carried over the lake and echoed back mournfully .
Wolves are often defined as “keystone species” because they play a critical role in maintaining the structure, health, and biodiversity of their ecosystems. Kate was that “keystone” element in every school, community board, task force, and environmental group that was lucky enough to have her as part of their “pack.” Her students shared that Ms. B’s classroom felt like a “sanctuary,” “a refuge,” and “a safe space” for them. The environmental activists that spoke, mourned the loss of a protector, an instructor, and a fierce, yet equally compassionate voice for the wild that made everyone around her better advocates.
Kate passionately spoke on behalf of wild creatures that could not speak for themselves, and she defended places that had no natural constituency in the halls of power. Kate also insisted on observing the "Jemez Principles” and forging agreements and alliances that uplifted the voices of indigenous peoples and disadvantaged communities. She knew when to leverage the power of the Sierra Club and when to stand aside and allow others to shine. The remarkable thing about a life devoted to conservation is that often one’s good work continues to grow long after you are gone. Our alpha wolf is gone, but the pack she led is strong. It is up to us now to carry Kate's legacy forward.
The void she leaves behind within the Sierra Club is immense, and we know the bonds of friendship she forged through fierce compassion and advocacy will help sustain the Chapter that she has led for more than a decade. It will take time to process this devastating loss, but we will honor Kate's legacy and dedication through our continued work here in New York State and beyond.
Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, that you make a donation in her name to the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, PO Box 38225, Albany, NY 12203 (or online here), or the Humane Society of Schuyler County, 124 Marina Drive, Montour Falls, NY 14865.
Kate's obituary can be read here.
The Atlantic Chapter will be hosting a virtual celebration of life for Kate to be held on October 20th at 12pm. Register here.
Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road or secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.
- Excerpt from "The Road Goes Ever On," by J.R.R. Tolkien