Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 27, 2026

CHARLOTTE - Catherine M. Lowder, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was born in Asheville, NC on October 14, 1946, and was the daughter of James F. Lowder and Ruth H. Lowder.

Cathy graduated from Hickory High School and Western Carolina University. Upon graduation, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and worked as a VISTA volunteer. She worked for the Judiciary for 30 years. Moving to Hilo, Hawaii, she received a master's degree in social work from the University of Hawaii. She was the founding Program Director of the Children's Advocacy Center of East Hawaii, and the Director of the Office of Public Guardian. In 2023, she received the Outstanding Service Award in appreciation of her support, service, and dedication for child victims of abuse and/or neglect.

Cathy was an active member in the Sierra Club both locally and nationally, was a mediator at the Ku'ikahi Mediation Center, and served on the board of the Hakalau Wildlife Sanctuary organization.

Cathy loved to travel and visited different countries and cultures around the world. She loved hiking in unique places. Cathy was a great environmentalist, often spending holidays cataloging and rescuing endangered birds. Although truly a Hawaiian in spirit, she never forgot her North Carolina family, visiting often and finally moving back to North Carolina in 2025.

A celebration of her life is pending. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Earth Justice, 40 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94111 or Friends of the Hakalau Forest, P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.