Dr. Kathryn (Kat) Hum passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 2nd 2025. She was 44 years old. Kathryn was the adoring mother of Kayden and Kaia Downes. The beloved daughter of Wayne and Nancy Hum, Kathryn was the sister of Matthew Hum (Soo Von) and the late Valerie Hum. She was the proud auntie of Ethan. Kat is lovingly remembered by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Kathryn was born in Scarborough and raised in Richmond Hill until she left home to attend the University of Toronto in 2000. She would remain at U of T for many years, going on to earn her Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Biology (2004), her Master of Science in the Department of Pharmacology in the Epilepsy Research Program (2007), and her Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental Psychology and Education in the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (2012). Upon completing her doctorate, Kat became the Program Manager at EpLink: The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute, where she worked until 2020. At the end of her career, Kathryn was the Research Manager of the Schizophrenia Division at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

While Kathryn was extremely accomplished as a researcher and an academic, these achievements were secondary to the greatest loves of her life: her family and friends. Kathryn cherished Kayden and Kaia, building her life around their happiness, safety, and joy. Caregiving was a talent that came naturally to Kat, and she nurtured everyone around her. Kathryn was an instrumental part of her sister Valerie’s care team, dedicating her life’s work to epilepsy research in her honour. Kat was the thread that wove together her large and loving family, as well as the heart of her chosen family and friends.

Kathryn loved fiercely and she was loved back in equal measure. Anyone who knew her admired her determination, strength, and generosity. When she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in 2021, this admiration was only further amplified. Once she was on leave from work, Kat became an incredible advocate for the cancer community, especially young people diagnosed with breast cancer. She publicly advocated to government, researchers, clinicians, and the national media to direct more funding, research, and attention to MBC. At the same time, she taught the Roots of Empathy curriculum to children at Kayden’s school. Amid all this volunteer work and activism, Kathryn continued to host and convene social gatherings, holidays, and adventures for her kids, family, and friends. She was truly indomitable.

Kathryn’s selflessness, bravery, and wisdom touched the lives of so many people. She will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. We will keep Kat’s memory alive through her two beautiful children and through the remarkable example Kat set for how to live a life of kindness, compassion, empathy and care.

A celebration of Kathryn’s life will be held in Toronto in July. Memorial donations to Gilda’s Club - Toronto or to Nankind are appreciated. Please see links to the charities under the Donations tab above.

https://www.gildasclubtoronto.org/donate/single-donation
https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/nanny-angel-network/give-today