Katherine Cromwell Moore of Rye, New York, died peacefully on February 15, 2023.
Born in New York City on June 29, 1928, she was the daughter of Frederic and Cornelia Livingston Cromwell. She was a graduate of The Brearley School, attended Smith College, and graduated from Manhattanville College with BFA and BA degrees in Studio Art and Art History.
After living in London and Lisbon for several years while her husband David Moore worked with the Marshall Plan, they returned to the United States in 1950 and settled in Rye. During the early years of their long and happy marriage, Katherine pursued her interest in the visual arts as a painter, sculptor, and print maker. In 1960, she and David joined with several other couples to found The Rye Arts Center.
Beginning in the 1980s, Katherine became increasingly involved with the small art gallery that would become the Katonah Museum of Art, serving as project director for several exhibitions, including “Family: Portraiture in the World of Florine Stettheimer” in 1993. She served for many years on the Museum’s board, including as president from 1999 to 2001.
In all her work on nonprofit boards, primarily in Westchester County, she was highly valued for her deep commitment not only to the arts but also to social, racial, and economic justice, and served with compassion, intelligence, and great care. Beloved by all, she was warm and generous to a wide circle of friends and extended family members.
Katherine Moore was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, David Moore, and her daughter Kate. She is survived by her loving sons, Richard (Barbara), David Jr. (Leni), and Timothy (Deborah); seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Florence Grieb and Cornelia Tierney (Joseph), and her sister-in-law Gail Cromwell, as well as by many loving nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Contributions in Katherine Moore’s memory may be made to the Katonah Museum of Art.
