WESTPORT — Cathy Talmadge, a Representative Town Meeting member and respected community volunteer, died Dec. 30, 2022.
Talmadge, 71, died from esophageal cancer, which was unrelated to kidney problems she’d had the last seven years, according to an email from her family to RTM members.
In December, the RTM paid tribute to Talmadge, a District 6 member since 2008, sending her get-well wishes and saluting her community service.
Talmadge, according to the resolution read by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, “Accomplished great things for Westport, setting an example of achievement for others to follow, you’ve shown initiative in leadership, incredible courage and diligence in helping to transform our beloved community, your beloved community, into a place of value, sustainability and true friendship …”
The community had rallied to support Talmadge in 2021 when, suffering from kidney failure, she desperately needed a kidney donation. In response, friends and family organized the “A Kidney for Cathy” campaign, and in January 2022 she was the recipient of a donor kidney.
Over the years, Talmadge was an active volunteer on behalf of many community causes, particularly Wakeman Town Farm, Earthplace and Friends of Sherwood Island.
Born Dec. 9, 1951, Catherine Cassel Talmadge celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary with husband, Tom, last July.
She graduated from Denison University in 1975, with a major in dance and minor in philosophy. In 1982, she earned an MBA from the University of Denver.
A service is planned at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield. A reception will follow.
Our Town lost a shining star…