News of a service member dying in a firefight in combat overseas is always difficult. As military spouses it's one of our worst, albeit justified fears. So when the news broke of a military spouse being shot and killed at work in Virginia Beach last week, it sent both shock waves and unbelievable sadness through our community.
This isn't supposed to happen at home.
This isn't supposed to happen to us.
This isn't supposed to happen.
Katherine (Kate) Nixon, whose husband Jason is an Air Force veteran and member of the Air National Guard, was one of Friday's 12 victims in a mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Kate served as the Compliance Manager of the Public Utility Facility for the City of Virginia Beach.
Kate was the second of eight kids, and is survived by her parents, husband and three daughters, ages 12, six and one.
Friends remember her as brilliant and kind, a compassionate volunteer who loved swimming, trying new restaurants, and more than anything, being a mommy.
According to her obituary, Kate was a person who always put others before herself. She was President of the Pembroke Meadows Civic League, a dedicated and enthusiastic member of St Gregory The Great Catholic Church, the announcer for the Pembroke Marlin swim team, and actively supported the Little Sisters of the Poor. She was widely respected in her field and was a strong advocate for women pursuing careers in engineering.
Friends have rallied around the family and have set up a GoFundMe for the girls, hoping to raise $10,000 for each child.
Remember her name. Donate if you want to. Honor her memory.
This wasn't supposed to happen.
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