Katy Hart Wolf passed away early in the morning of December 18th, 2024 at the age of 70. Katy was a singularly unique woman whose life was defined by resilience, compassion, and a tireless commitment to helping others. Katy sought to positively impact every being fortunate enough to cross her path, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
At the heart of Katy’s life was her role as a devoted mother. To her son David, Katy was everything—an advocate, a cheerleader, a source of unwavering comfort, and a role model. She provided him with a foundation of love and support, instilling in him the values of tenacity, kindness, and compassion. Katy was not only a nurturing parent but also a loving friend and inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to be part of her world. Her loving spirit magnetized a wide array of people, allowing her to serve others as a pillar of connection.
Katy’s spiritual journey helped to define the path of her life. Raised in a Jewish family in Indianapolis, IN, she always maintained a connection to her Jewish heritage. In her early 20s, Katy found her spiritual home through her studies of Tibetan Buddhism, becoming a devoted student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. She embodied the teachings of mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, and she brought these principles into every aspect of her life. Katy was known for her ability to live these teachings in the world—curating her actions to benefit others.
Her spiritual practice was deeply integrated into the communities she created and nurtured. Katy was passionate about connection through groups, creating spaces that allowed individuals to come together in a spirit of shared learning, growth, and support—helping people to define their own paths.
Throughout her life, Katy had a profound curiosity about death and dying, which she approached with reverence and acceptance. Part of her deep interest in death and dying stemmed from her experience as a survivor of the crash of United Airlines Flight 232. Emblematic of her extraordinary perseverance, she overcame that truly unimaginable experience. Living with the effects of both PTSD and a severe traumatic brain injury in a time when these issues were not widely understood, Katy never allowed herself to be defined by tragedy. Instead, she integrated this experience into the mosaic of her life, using it as a foundation for personal growth and self-discovery.
Katy’s intellectual curiosity was boundless. A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, her academic journey began with her early interest in writing, including two plays she authored and directed in high school. Katy later pursued higher education with the same passion, becoming a student of the human condition through psychology and spirituality. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado. She then went on to receive a Master’s degree in Buddhist & Western Psychology from Naropa University, staying to teach in the program for many years. Later in her life, she received a second Master’s degree in Organizational Development from American University.
Katy’s professional life was marked by her passion for helping others and her drive to create meaningful change. Katy worked in a variety of public service roles, including time at the Boulder Mental Health Center, the Boulder Justice Center, and the Boulder County Board for Developmental Disabilities.
She was also a founding member of Windhorse, a group-based organization that integrates mindfulness and compassionate home care for individuals facing mental health challenges. Through Windhorse, Katy helped create a space where individuals could find healing, support, and a sense of belonging. Beyond Windhorse, she facilitated countless groups, always bringing her insight, warmth, and leadership to those she served.
Katy’s life cannot be easily captured in a single narrative. She was a woman of extraordinary depth, compassion, and generosity—a teacher, a healer, a friend, and a mother. Her generosity of spirit was not limited to her closest circle; she touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Katy showed us what it meant to live with resilience and grace, to embody love without condition, and to support others in finding their own paths.
Katy is survived by her son David, her boyfriend Chris, her brother Andrew, her goddaughter Evangelynn, her many friends, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched through her work, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to helping others.
Katy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her legacy of love, strength, and wisdom will continue to inspire us all.
May all beings enjoy profound and brilliant glory.
-By David Wolf
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Katy has been a long time enthusiastic participant in the activities of Ri-mé Society, from its inception. She was always a warm and vibrant presence amidst our classes, with a unique and brilliant perspective on matters of dharma and life. She attended, via Zoom, the Sadhana of Mahamudra Feast concluding our Autumn, 2024 class just a few weeks ago. The feast was dedicated to her, and it was a wonderful opportunity for her friends to practice with and say goodbye to her. She was radiant as she briefly spoke to us. She was wearing a tiara-like crown in her hair. When someone commented on how nice the crown looked on her, she responded "We all wear crowns!" We will miss her alot.
Katy was my roommate at the 1982 seminary, and she was a great roommate. She helped me deal with some obstacles that came up during the seminary. Late in the program Katy asked Rinpoche if she should study flower arranging. Rinpoche asked what she did now. Katy replied something like she worked with people who were
depressed, otherwise unhappy, or suicidal. Rinpoche replied Oh, that’s what I do, too. And the whole room burst out laughing. Then Katy said something like Well, you seem to be better at it than me. And again everyone in the room burst out laughing.
