Katharine Sabine Beers
Obituary

Katharine Sabine Beers, a pioneering advocate for workplace family support programs and domestic violence prevention, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on November 30th, 2025, in Studio City, California. She was 75.

Born on August 20th, 1950, in New York, New York, to Elizabeth Shepard Sabine and Nathan Thomas Beers, Katharine graduated from East Woods School, Rogers Hall School, and earned her bachelor's degree from Tufts University after attending Pine Manor Junior College. She completed her master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the Antioch Institute of Open Education in 1974.

Katharine's professional career was marked by groundbreaking achievements in workplace innovation and advocacy. In the 1970s, she established some of the first "extended day" programs in Massachusetts schools. At John Hancock Financial Services in Boston, she designed and implemented one of the nation's first comprehensive corporate childcare centers, featuring innovative services including dedicated spaces for nursing mothers. As Manager of Work/Life Programs at John Hancock, she developed the "Kids to Go" program and became a leading voice for working parents' rights and support.

As president of Employers Against Domestic Violence, Katharine was instrumental in raising awareness about domestic violence as a critical workplace issue. Her advocacy work, including published opinions in The Boston Globe, helped shape corporate policies nationwide regarding domestic violence awareness and prevention.

Katharine was a devoted mother and stepmother who cared dearly for her family and found much joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow up and prosper. She is survived by her sisters, Libby Beers and Betsy Beers; her children Laura Levine and her husband, Geoff; Christopher Hazzard and his wife, Laura; her stepchildren Thomas Hazzard and his wife, Tracy; and Kimberly Wojtalewicz and her husband, Andrew; and her twelve grandchildren. She married John Hendrie in 2017 and enjoyed having two new adult stepsons in Nate and Tyler Hendrie. John preceded her in death in 2020.

Known for her intelligence, warmth, and independent spirit, Katharine found joy in life's simple pleasures and meaningful connections. She was an avid fan of strong female comedians who used humor to illuminate the challenges faced by working women, reflecting her own commitment to addressing workplace equality. She delighted in gardening and hosting gatherings, cherishing summers on Cape Ann, Massachusetts.

In retirement at Harmony of Chantilly in Virginia, she remained actively engaged in community life, serving on the Independent Living Residence Council and hosting popular weekly trivia events. Above all, Katharine took greatest pride in her children and found immense joy in being an integral part of her grandchildren's lives, celebrating their growth and achievements with characteristic enthusiasm.

A public memorial service will be held the weekend of January 17th 2026 at Harmony of Chantilly in Herndon, VA. A private family service will be held on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, in summer 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Katharine's memory to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (Donate), reflecting her lifelong commitment to domestic violence prevention and awareness.