Katherine “Kate” Nicholson, of Hightstown, NJ, died of metastatic breast cancer on November 29, 2018. She is survived by her husband Brad and their children, Elizabeth, David, and Abigail.

Peter A. Quinn, headmaster at the Peddie School, shared this statement with his community:

We learned this morning that Mrs. Katherine Nicholson — beloved math teacher, swim coach, and advisor– died early this morning at her home in Hightstown. As you may know, Kate has been on medical leave since the end of the fall term because her cancer had progressed and treatment required all her strength. Unhappily, no program was able to save her life, but in her battle she was supported and loved by her family and a strong circle of friends both at Peddie and in the community of faith and friends beyond campus.

Kate Nicholson was a gifted and patient teacher with a matter-of-fact demeanor, a wry sense of a humor, and a deep, passionate commitment to the welfare of her students in whatever setting she met them. Whether in class, on the pool deck, or in the many less formal settings in which she did exceptional work as an advisor, Kate was a principled, forthright, and tireless advocate for her students. Her contributions to our school have been great and her passing is a great loss to many students, alumni, and colleagues as well as beyond Peddie.

The family’s service for Kate will be private. Her husband Brad and their children are aware of the great regard for Kate, but request privacy at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in her honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).