On January 26, 2009, Katherine S. Andros, a resident of Hyde Park, New York, died due to complications from her long fight against lung cancer, strokes and seizures. She was 67 years old. Over the past fifteen years, Kits once powerful body and agile mind were lost, bit by bit, in an endless onslaught of health problems. Even so, her courage and her determination to live never faltered. Diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 1994, Kit survived three major lung surgeries, as well as brain surgery and aggressive radiation therapy for metastatic brain tumors. Her remarkable successes became the stuff of legend amongst her doctors at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, and a beacon of hope for many other cancer patients and their families. Because Kits story has been dominated by illness for so many years, it is all too easy to forget that she applied the same courage, determination and contagious joie de vivre to a whole host of other pursuits. She and her first husband, Edward B. Kerin, arrived in Dutchess County 42 years ago, and Kit was always generous with her time and seemingly infinite energy in her adopted home. She was a member of numerous clubs and volunteer organizations including the Junior League of Poughkeepsie, the Poughkeepsie Garden Club, the Krieger School Parent Teacher Association, the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club, Hospice of Dutchess County, and Adriance Memorial Library, where she worked with children. Kit served as a board member at the Childrens Home of Poughkeepsie, the Poughkeepsie Day School, and the Dutchess County SPCA; was Chair of the Town of Hyde Park Shade Tree Commission; and a vestry member at St. James Episcopal Church in Hyde Park. She also spearheaded the successful restoration of a significant historic garden designed by Beatrix Farrand at Bellefield, the National Park Services headquarters in Hyde Park, and as such was a founding member and then President of the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association. In addition to her work in the community, Kit applied herself to a range of more personal passions. She was an amateur expert on topics ranging from 18th century American architecture and decorative arts, to Shaker culture, historic preservation, and horticulture. In the early 1970s, when she decided to find an 18th century house of her own to restore, Kit did two things: enrolled in carpentry courses at Dutchess BOCES, and set out with her treasured copy of Dutchess County Doorways in hand and two young girls in tow. In this fashion, Kit crisscrossed the county and knocked on doors with nothing but her earnestness and easy smile to recommend her until she found what she sought. She acquired and lovingly rehabilitated the oldest house in Poughkeepsie, a Dutch-style stone dwelling built by Jacobus and Antionette Freer in 1725. As time passed, her passion for gardening became more serious, and she obtained certificates in both Horticulture and Garden Design from the Institute of Ecosystems Studies in Millbrook. This love is shared by both of her daughters and has touched gardens far and near. In light of her later disabilities, it is especially poignant to remember that she was one of those natural athletes to whom skill comes seemingly without effort. On the ski slope or the tennis court, on a sailboat or a dance floor, her true grace  which she often worked to disguise  was dazzling. In no uncertain terms, Kit valued family over all else. A few weeks ago, one of her childrens friends shared a story that captures the very essence of Kit. What always struck me when visiting your home was how you four children were all adored, plain and simple. I have tried so hard to give my own children that same gift. Kit is survived by a clan that continues to return that adoration, including her husband of 25 years, Peter J. Andros; her children, Katherine H. Kerin; Elizabeth K. Carver and her husband, Kirk D. Carver; Peter M. Andros; and Lieutenant Commander Bradley J. Andros and his wife, Carolyn W. Andros; and her grandchildren (to whom she was known as Kitsy), Nell Stevens, and Skye and Piper Andros. One of Kits favorite expressions was Life is too serious to be taken seriously. As a result, the life of Katherine S. Andros will be joyfully celebrated by family and friends when the weather once again warms. To best honor Kit, her family asks that you cherish those around you, laugh hard every day, and carry forward even a fraction of her magnificent strength. Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (tel: 646-227-3546; www.mskcc.org), or any other charity for which you have a passion. Arrangements are under the direction of Sweets Funeral Home, Hyde Park. To send Kits family a condolence, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.