Kathleen Thomsen Dilger

Kathleen Thomsen Dilger

September 10, 1952 – April 17, 2024

Kathleen “Kate” Thomsen Dilger of Setauket, New York passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 17, 2024. She was the beloved wife of 47 years to James Paul Dilger. She is survived by her children Emily Kathleen Dilger (Michael “Shep” Shapard) and Andrew James Dilger, and her brother William Henry Thomsen III (Diane Nancy Thomsen). Kate graduated from the College of Mt. St. Vincent with a B.S. in Biology in 1974. She also earned master’s degrees in biology (Fordham University, 1976) and in education (Bank Street College of Education, 1989). She had diverse work experience at libraries, bookstores, nature centers, museums and zoos culminating in more than 20 years at Stony Brook University where she was Director of the undergraduate physiology laboratory course.

Kate always had a book (or Kindle) in her hands, she enjoyed sailing Cape Cod Bay in a sunfish sailboat and sharing her expertise about marine wildlife with others. She was blessed to be able to travel and explore new beaches, from the Caribbean to the Galapagos Islands, and historical landmarks in the US and abroad with Jim. She gave many a tour guide a run for their money testing the extent of their knowledge.

She and Jim spent more than 2 years living in Cambridge, England and one year in Bonn, Germany (with Emily and Andrew).

Kate will be remembered on Friday, May 31 at Setauket Neighborhood House (95 Main St, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733) from 1:00 – 5:00. A light lunch will be available. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: see clickable links under donations below.