Kate Broome Matista

Kate Broome Matista, born on June 6, 1954, in Orlando, Florida, passed away on July 27, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. Her passing followed a brief reoccurrence of a cancer she had bravely fought two years earlier. Kate’s resilience, courage, grit, and dedication to her daughters remained steadfast throughout her journey.

Kate’s early years shaped her into a woman of fierce independence and intellectual curiosity. She attended Chatham Hall in Chatham, Virginia -- an experience she deeply valued and later provided for her two daughters as well. Her academic journey continued at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, where her love of solving problems (for which she was well known throughout her life) led her to major in mathematics. She also pursued studies at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and later at Bowman-Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Even as her daughters reached high school, Kate demonstrated her lifelong commitment to learning by earning a Master’s in Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Kate built a distinguished career as a therapist, bringing hope and healing to countless individuals. She specialized in trauma treatment, using cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR to help people overcome challenges that had once limited their enjoyment of life and relationships. Her work transformed lives, and those fortunate enough to work with her have told her daughters as much -- noting that her kind yet honest approach and her irreverent style contributed to their successful healing.

As a high school and college athlete, Kate was a talented tennis player and was proud to say she once played against tennis legend Chris Evert. Her deep affection for horses led her to compete in numerous equestrian events throughout her younger years, during which time she also swam competitively and enjoyed long bike rides on the Blue Ridge Trail.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kate was devoted to her daughters. Raising her girls brought Kate immense joy and satisfaction, and their collaboration later in operating a successful bar and lounge in downtown Durham was a source of shared accomplishment and pride.

Kate was an avid reader, especially of murder mysteries, whether curled up at home, enjoying a meal at her favorite restaurants, or basking on a beach beneath an umbrella. She knew her Durham Public Library card number by heart and never had fewer than 5 library books in her car. She enjoyed playing piano throughout her life. Landscaping and organic gardening were passions that flourished in her retirement years. Those who knew her well will remember her ability to truly do anything she set her mind to. From teaching herself how to install tile and hardwood floors, to bringing down trees alone with her chainsaw, to nurturing and gifting exotic indoor plants to her friends, family, and colleagues.

Having grown up in Florida, Kate loved to be near the beach and hear the sound of the surf -- taking at least one trip to the coast every year to put her toes in the sand. In the final year of her life, she traveled with her daughters, their partners, and families to Sint Maarten, which she looked back fondly on as "the vacation of a lifetime." There, she practiced her French, savored local baked goods, and marvelled at the clear waters of the Caribbean that she had always wanted to see.

Kate is survived by her daughters, Leslie and Sarah Matista, who live just down the street from her home in Durham, North Carolina, and her brothers, Steve and Rob Broome, who reside in Florida.

As someone who cared deeply about fairness, justice, and social equality, Kate became a regular attendee of local rallies and protests in her final years. She requested that people who are moved to make a gesture in light of her passing please donate to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in her honor.

Kate’s life was defined by her steadfast independence, her problem-solving spirit, and her sincere concern and investment in others. She will be affectionately remembered for her wry sense of humor, her conscientiousness, and her integrity.