May 9, 1964 – December 18, 2021
Kathryn J. Gallant, 57 of Rochester passed away on Saturday, December 18th at Strong Memorial Hospital. While many would consider it a young age to die, Kathryn was a childhood cancer survivor who beat the odds at a time when few children did. Throughout her life, she quietly managed the physical challenges of being an amputee and the long-term complications of radiation treatments that left her with a chronic heart condition. She is survived by her husband of 12 years, Peter S. Roberts.
Curious, resilient, and loving are the words that defined Kathryn and her life. Her curiosity took her many, many places; her resilience ensured her health challenges didn’t sidetrack those adventures; and her loving nature meant everyone she encountered along the way felt connected to and valued by her.
Her life-long love of music drew her to work in radio at rock station WHCN-FM in Hartford, CT and then classical music station KBOQ-FM in Santa Cruz, CA. A fan of all musical styles who loved going out to hear live music, she particularly loved jazz. She was an amateur singer whose courage took her from being nervous to perform in front of others to eventually fronting jazz combos and loving it.
A graduate of Trinity College and lifelong “science geek,” after working in radio and then marketing, she shifted careers to become a healthcare researcher. Her curiosity and brilliant mind led her to become an influential leader in the field of pharmaceutical research and the U.S. CEO of the London-based firm Cello Health Insight.
Kathryn’s varied personal interests encompassed everything from performance automobiles to equestrian sports – and she fully embraced them. A lover and owner of horses, she took up the sport of carriage driving in her 40s. Like so many of her passions, that hobby became a pursuit of excellence – eventually resulting in her winning her class at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse competition in Oklahoma and a cherished blue ribbon at the Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition.
While accomplished in virtually everything she took on, Kathryn’s greatest accomplishment was the countless friendships she formed and the many people she inspired along the way. If the meaning of life is to love and be loved, she led an exceptionally meaningful life. She was adored by her musical friends, colleagues, horse friends – even her care team at Strong.
Kathryn will live on in the hearts of countless people that knew and loved her. Her life is an example of the fullness that can come from not being defined by the difficulties we face, but by the places our curiosity takes us and the lives we lovingly touch along the way.
Kathryn was an extraordinary person. She was a joyful part of our family. She had true and deep feelings for people and for her beloved animals, especially Guy Noir, “The Wonder Dog”.
Kathryn accomplished so much during her life and her modesty about it was a trait to behold.
Remembering with love, Maryann I.
Kathy was a dear friend at a time when I needed support, more than 30 years ago. She was an amazing person. I’m sad to learn of her passing.