Kate Strand, age 66, passed away among friends and family, on August 31, 2025, in Gaithersburg, MD. She is survived by her husband and partner in life, Chuck Adams, her sister Holly (Chuck Hawkins), her brother Peter and niece Elliott Strand-Hawkins. She is preceded in death by her parents Sherman and Nina Strand, and her beloved dog, Dyan.
Born into a military family, Kate learned to be resilient, flexible, and adventurous. Along with the rest of the family, she lived in Washington state, Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado, Virginia and Guam. However, the family spent the most time in Colorado and all still identify as Coloradans.
As an adult, Kate developed an interest in biochemistry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and a master’s from Johns Hopkins. She enjoyed working on cancer research at Georgetown University. Most recently she worked in patient safety at AstraZeneca in Maryland.
Kate’s favorite things include: 1) exploring new places with her husband; 2) her family and many close friends; 3) hiking in the Colorado mountains; 4) taking a “quick walk around the block”: Seasoned family and friends understood that such walks would turn out to be multi-mile excursions; 5) special events at embassies in DC; 6) writing a really good screenplay; 7) rock music; 8) healthy food; 9) driving around (carefully) in her Porsche convertible; 10) animals and animal sanctuaries.
Kate would wish to recognize Liz Curran, co-director of the Radical Remission Project, and Health Navigators, a cancer health coaching organization. In addition, the family is grateful to oncologists at Johns Hopkins (Drs. Smith and Tanner and their staff), and The Good Hearts Foundation.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kate’s memory can go to Health Navigators https://www.radicalremission.com/donate .
From: George Samuel
I just learned of Kate’s passing from a colleague at AstraZeneca today (Sept. 8), and I am so sad to hear of her passing. I still saw Kate from time to time at work after I left patient safety. She was always very friendly and personable, and we always had good chats about Colorado, she would tell me about her extended stays there, visits with family, etc..Words can’t express the shock, she will truly be missed. My sincere condolences to her partner and family.
From: Graham Page
So disappointed to hear the news of Kate's passing. Kate is the only cousin on the Page side that I have never met. Was really looking forward to connecting at last year's Thanksgiving family gathering, and was really disappointed that Kate and Chuck could not make it. Sending my condolences to the family. Graham Page
From: Linda Warner
My dear colleague Kate: as your line manager, I loved your dedication, collaboration, motivation and kindness. You were a joy to work with. My heart is sad that your earthly life has ended but I know you are in a good place and loved.
From: The Hilton Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.