Mary Catherine Bateson, 1939-2021

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Catherine Bateson. She was a linguist and cultural anthropologist who became an icon. A prolific writer, her impact on the field was immeasurable and included teaching at Harvard, Northeastern University, Amherst College, Spelman College, and abroad in the Philippines and Iran. She was never overawed by being the daughter of Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, and forged her own inimitable intellectual journey. Dr. Bateson once described living as an “improvisational art” and her push for an “active wisdom” as we grow older still serves as an inspiration to us all. She will be deeply missed throughout the field and beyond.