Obituary of Katherine Cromwell Moore

Katherine Cromwell Moore of Rye, New York, died peacefully on February 15, 2023. Born in New York City on June 29, 1928, to Cornelia Livingston Cromwell and Frederic 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. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, David E. Moore.

After living in London and Lisbon for several years while David 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 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 (1993) among others. She also served for many years on the Museum’s board, including as president from 1999 to 2001.

In all her work on non-profit 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 is survived by her loving sons Richard (Barbara), David Jr. (Leni) and Timothy (Deborah), and also by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her daughter Kate predeceased her. 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 memorial celebration of her life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536.