We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Katherine (Kate) Towers, who died on 1 July 2026, aged 49.
Kate was a valued member of the community, known for her warmth, determination and passionate advocacy for people with PWS. Through sharing her own experiences, speaking at conferences and writing about life with PWS, she helped others better understand the challenges people can face and the importance of compassionate, appropriate support.
We are grateful to Kate for sharing her story and hope that Kate’s words and the memories of those who knew her will help celebrate her life and the lasting contribution she made to the PWS community.
Memories of Kate
The following tribute was put together by Kate’s mother, Jane, who shares memories of Kate, her personality and the joy she brought to those around her.
Katherine (Kate) Towers was a wonderful person who happened to be born with Prader-Willi syndrome.
I had the pleasure of knowing Kate for over 34 years. Having first met her when she was 15 years of age at her initial appointment in the PWS Clinic, she was always a joy to see and chat with. Kate had a minimal intellectual disability, and never ceased to amaze me with her insight, wisdom and genuine desire to be the best person she could be. She was very aware of what PWS brought to her life and often stated how she felt “having PWS sucks”. But she was determined to not allow PWS to define her as a person. Kate was such an advocate for people with PWS, always teaching others in best practices for support. She spoke at conferences, wrote articles and always expressed herself so articulately, that people were often amazed to learn that she was “differently abled”. She is sorely missed. It was a privilege to have known such a warm, brave and wise lady.
From Jane, Kate’s mum
I lost my darling girl on 1 July 2026 and am still trying to come to terms with her death. So far, we do not have a definitive cause of death, but I hope that the coroner will eventually be able to identify exactly what happened so I can then advise the PWS Research Foundation in the hope that the information might help other families.
Kate was very articulate and a voracious reader with an interest in current affairs. She was sweet, gorgeous, very funny and had the most infectious laugh. She was also incredibly stubborn (as she herself admitted), determined, and sometimes downright infuriating. I used to say to her that she was the only person I knew who would continue arguing with me about something she wanted to do after I had said yes!
We were fortunate that she moved into an Aruma SIL house exclusively for people with PWS and had 14 very happy years there. All the carers are amazing and Kate got on well with all of them and adored her key carer. According to the house manager she treated him “like a bossy little sister”. This was because she cared about everyone’s wellbeing. Apparently, she constantly reminded him that he hadn’t had his lunch or that it was time to go home to his family.
My sweet girl might be gone, but she will never be forgotten and will be missed forever.
(The beautiful photo above is Kate on her 48th birthday. She was 49 years young this year).