In Remembrance of Kathy Moore

This collection is shared with deep love and gratitude, in remembrance of Kathy Moore, Nonotuck’s longtime attorney, trusted partner, and cherished friend, who passed away earlier last week.

For more than 35 years, Kathy worked side-by-side with Nonotuck. Over time, she became far more than our legal counsel. She was our advocate, our protector, our advisor, our teacher, and often our last line of legal defense. Her guidance helped shape Nonotuck in lasting ways.

Kathy believed deeply in Nonotuck and in our mission. She loved this agency.  At times, she was more than our lawyer, she was our moral guide. She helped us navigate not only what the law required, but what integrity, fairness, and care demanded. Her counsel was grounded in values, wisdom, and a commitment to the people we serve.

Those who knew Kathy remember her as kind, thoughtful, and genuinely funny. She had a gift for storytelling and a way of bringing humanity into even the most difficult conversations. She made space for connection and laughter.

Kathy left an incredible impression of values and ethics even though her interactions were brief.  No one left an encounter with Kathy without an embedded opinion of her which most all were deeply positive.

On a personal level, I worked closely with Kathy for more than three decades. She was my advocate, my confidant, and my good friend. Her steady presence and thoughtful counsel were a source of strength for me, and for Nonotuck as a whole.

The remembrances that follow reflect the extraordinary legacy Kathy leaves behind, one of professionalism, integrity, and care. Through these memories, we honor the many ways she shaped our organization and touched our lives.

Please join me in holding Kathy’s family, especially her children, in your thoughts during this difficult time.

With love and remembrance,
George H. Fleischner,

President/ CEO, Nonotuck Resource Associates

Survy Bortman, RN Quality Coordinator, Auburn

“May she rest in peace, and may her family, friends, colleagues, and all the people she has touched through her kindness and courage receive the strength and comfort, and continue sharing her legacy.”

Sindelle Robles, Vice President of Nursing and AFC Services

“I still can’t believe Kathy’s passing.  I remember the first time I met her in person, it was during a difficult situation, and I was very nervous because I wasn’t sure what steps we were going to take. From the moment I met her, her communication made me feel comfortable and supported. She had a special way of expressing things and was always willing to help.  

I will continue to keep her and her family in my prayers.”

Carla Sanchez, Vice President of Residential Services (Central Region) 

“I’ve had to sit with the news of Kathy… it’s truly saddening… for me it’s a continued reminder to share gratitude in real time. That’s something I’m holding closely right now. I regret that I didn’t thank Kathy more directly for how much I learned from her over the time we worked together.

While I didn’t have years of close day-to-day contact with Kathy, I had the genuine pleasure of working with her more over time through my roles. She always offered more than pearls of wisdom. Never wavered to be clear but kind, it always held respect for the other person on the opposite end of any conversation. While I’m sure it could be intimidating to some, I found it grounding because I know it came from care. I’m grateful for what I learned through her trainings, phone calls, meetings, quick texts and even emergencies. 

I also admired her work ethic and the way she carried herself with purpose. It wasn’t just a job it was part of who she was. If I could choose any advocate, Attorney Moore would be my first pick every time.”

Janet Trzaska, Program Director/Special Projects, Auburn

“Kathy’s impact on Nonotuck is reflected not only in the organization we’ve become, but in the values, compassion, and integrity that continue to guide our work every day. I didn’t have many opportunities to work with Kathy directly (and when I did, it usually meant something had gone wrong), but in those brief interactions, she always came across as a kind, grounded, and a deeply committed person. Her dedication to Nonotuck and the work she carried forward over the years was tremendous.

My thoughts are with Kathy’s family, especially her children, as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. She will be deeply missed.”

Dylan Zukowski, Program Director, Auburn

“I am immensely sorry to hear of the passing of Kathy. Losing someone is always painful, and it feels especially heavy during the holidays. This also brings up many emotions for me, as I lost my mother in 2018. I can only imagine how deeply her family and those closest to her are feeling this loss.

Moments like this remind us of how fragile life truly is, and how our work exists within that fragility. So many people have been able to live fuller, safer, more dignified lives because of the support we provide, and because of people like Kathy, who stood so firmly for what was right. While we may feel fragile right now, we are also strengthened by what she taught us and the legacy she leaves behind. That strength will continue to guide us in our mission and in our care for one another.

Kathy was truly one of a kind. Although I did not have the chance to work with her as closely or as often as others, one experience with her left a lasting impression on me. As a newer employee at the time, I found myself in a difficult situation created by a former staff member. At previous agencies, situations like this were often minimized or ignored, so I felt anxious and unsure about bringing it forward. When Deb {Schnare, Vice President of Operations} consulted with Kathy, I remember feeling a pit in my stomach, worried about how it would be handled, how I would be perceived, and what the outcome might be.

When I met with Kathy and Angela {Procopio-Rahilly, Executive Vice President of Operations}, I immediately recognized that Kathy was no nonsense, deeply principled, and exceptionally dedicated to her work. She asked thoughtful, direct questions with honesty and respect. She maintained professionalism while also creating a sense of safety. After our conversation, she told me she could feel the honesty in my responses and that she had no doubt I was being truthful. That reassurance meant a great deal to me, but even more meaningful was the way she carried herself.

Kathy had a gift for balancing compassion with strength. She could sit beside you in hard conversations without judgment, dramatics, or dismissal. She modeled how to honor seriousness when needed, while still allowing space for warmth and humanity. That is something I will always remember about her, and something I have carried into how I support my own staff. She was not only extraordinary at what she did, she was an extraordinary woman. We were incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our agency for so many years.

The strength, wisdom, and integrity she offered all of us will continue forward in the work we do. My deepest condolences go out to you, to everyone at the agency who knew and loved her, and especially to her family. I hope that in the midst of grief, there is some comfort in knowing the profound and lasting impact she had on us all, and that the example she set will keep guiding us toward the greater good.”