Catherine Marie ‘Kate’ Littrell, lately of Raleigh NC, passed away on October 7th, 2026. She passed quietly in her sleep at home, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born on July 5th, 1956 in Indiana, but lived most of her adult life all over the world including Switzerland, The Netherlands, Singapore, Australia and England. She shared her adventurous good fortune of traveling with her family and friends all of her life. Though she enjoyed baking, gardening and fly fishing, her main focus was in the people she loved, making certain they were happy and fulfilled.
She is preceded in death by her parents Tom and Charlotte Littrell and her beloved brother Jim Littrell.
She is survived by her husband Bob Byrd, her brothers John Littrell (and wife Sherrie), Mike Littrell (and wife Dee), and her sisters Pat Wayne (and husband Rich), Mary Rudzinski (and husband John), Carol Holton (and husband Kevin), Sue Weese (and husband Curt), Meg Boyle and sister-in-law Joanna Littrell wife of Jim. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly both as family and treasured traveling companions.
The family would like to extend special thanks to her medical team at UNC Cancer Center, who were true warriors in her fight from start to finish. Thanks are also extended to Transitions, the hospice organization that was so kind in the care and compassion they showed Kate and her family in her final days.
Family and friends are invited to attend Kate’s Celebration of Life at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on the 9th of November at 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary NC 27511. Visiting time will begin at 10:00 AM, the chapel celebration to start at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow.
At Kate’s request, please dress casually and wear something pink. For those who wish to share, there will be time at the end of the service for a few brief stories about when you enjoyed being with Kate.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Melanoma Research Foundation or to A Living Tribute (to plant a tree in her memory).
