West Fairlee, VT    -  Kateri Marie Damato's dance with cancer came to a graceful end April 22, 2018. She was surrounded by her family and friends from New England to Alaska. She had a lot of family and if you knew her well she regarded you as the family she chose. Kateri was the daughter of Tony and Mary Ann Damato, born March 17, 1974, she was third of eight children. She grew up attending to the needs of all of her family members. Frances Marie Damato, Chris Damato, Dominic Damato, Annamarie Damato, David Damato, Maria Damato and Nina Bond all relied on Kateri as a bridge between "the big kids and the little kids." She was simultaneously the peacemaker and instigator among the kids.

A 1992 graduate of Windsor High School, she enjoyed participating in many theatre productions and choir performances. Those of you who participated with her will remember how hard it was for her to keep a straight face during the serious parts of the performances; she might have caused you to break character too. Her contagious laughter and quick witted sense of humor continued until her last days.

Kateri was born with wanderlust and she embraced the wind. She met the love of her life, Darren Lidstrom, son of Donald and Denise Lidstrom, brother to Dena Parker of Boise, Idaho, at Brooke's Lake Lodge in Dubois, Wyoming where two souls crossed at a random cabin at the end of a five mile snowmobile ride. From there Darren and Kateri built a life around food and friends. They worked together in many restaurants in Burlington, Vermont, including American Flatbread and Penny Cluse and out west at a couple of guest ranches. The food they prepared and service they provided are a testament to their love of what they were doing.

Her love of food started with the plants, throughout her life she grew and beautifully arranged flowers and food. She most recently worked at Cedar Circle Farm in East Thetford, Vermont where she lovingly attended to the plants and patrons. If she was helping you find flowers for your yard or wedding you might hear her say, "Walk around and find something that speaks to you."

As we remember her and go about our days in the future let's all find beauty in the simple things and live by that advice, "Walk around and find something that speaks to you."

There was a private ceremony at Knight's Funeral Home in White River Junction, Vermont. This will be followed by what is described in Kateri's Advance Directive as a "Kick Ass Party with no sad Bullshit." A party like this takes some time to plan; details will be forthcoming.

Instead of sending flowers Kateri would want you to visit Cedar Circle Farm or another organic farm, pick something and plant it at your home, enjoy it and smile when you see it, or make a contribution in her name to the Arbor Day Foundation, or the Sierra Club.