Kate Wilford Carraher

Kate Wilford Carraher passed away at home on January 20, 2024, surrounded by her family. Kate was born August 22, 1950, in Easton, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Jonathan (Bus) Seltzer Wilford, Jr., and the late Adeline Curry Wilford. Kate attended the Country School, Kent School, Wheaton College, and earned her MBA from the University of New Mexico. Upon completion of her MBA, she became the first female Yacht Broker for Sparkman and Stephen's in New York City. After stepping away from her career to raise her children she remained close family friends with her mentor the late Roderick (Rod) Stephens, Jr. Rod took on a grandparent-like role to her children and was godfather to her son. Kate loved the water and was an extremely talented sailboat racer. She competed in everything from Junior and High School Sailing, local weeknight racing on Long Island Sound and Chesapeake Bay to major national events including the United States Women's Sailing Championship (Adams Cup), Bermuda Race, and SORC events. Regardless of the event she was racing in, she always said it was the most fun beating her friends. Kate encouraged her children, grandchildren, and their friends and teammates to "Bring home the bacon!" at the start of every regatta. Kate was a member of Tred Avon Yacht Club for 50 years as well as an active member of The Harbor Club, Garden Club of the Eastern Shore, and Indian Harbor Yacht Club. Kate volunteered for both Pegasus Therapeutic Riding while living in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Talbot Special Riders once she moved back to Talbot County. Kate is survived by her husband of 41 years Richard (Dick) Thomas Carraher, three children: daughters Megan Elisabeth Carraher (Stuart Peter Wilding) and Cordo Adeline Carraher Jorch (William (Bill) Charles Jorch II), son Jonathan Spencer Carraher, three grandchildren, two siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless dear friends. She was predeceased by her youngest sister Grace Cordo Wilford. Everyone who knew Kate will miss her infamous and unmistakable "Yoo-hoo!" A Memorial Service is planned for May 17th at 11am at Holy Trinity in Oxford. A reception will follow at the parish hall at Holy Trinity. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tred Avon Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program in her memory.

Kate Wilford Carraher

August 22, 1950 - January 20, 2024