R.I.P. Kate Powers – Monaco mourns dedicated environmentalist and outstanding personality

Since yesterday evening, numerous expressions of condolence can be found in the facebook groups of the Monegasques, all of which apply to one and the same person: Kate Powers. A powerful name that already suggests something about the co-founder of the Stars ‘N’ Bars restaurant in Monaco. Because unfortunately I have not personally met the American-born Monegasque. But some of my friends did, who motivated me now to write an article about the warm-hearted benefactress.

According to an official press release, she passed away yesterday after a long illness. More is not known about the exact cause of her death, unfortunately.

Kate Powers and her love for the environment

Kristie Stofler, rowing athlete, is still in shock from the sudden death of her good acquaintance. “We had so much in common. Not only externally with our blonde hair and blue eyes, but also in terms of our outlook on life. She lived a very healthy life and always found uplifting words for others.” 

7 days a week Kate ran together with her long term partner Didier Rubiolo the restaurant Stars ‘N’ Bars, which is a “model of sustainability in Monaco” according to the magazine Monaco Act Green, published by the Grimaldi Forum and the Ministry of Tourism. A unique 120m² garden surrounds the terrace on the harbor, plastic straws, bottled water and non-biodegradable containers have already been abandoned here, when others have never heard of climate protection. And in addition to classic dishes, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives are offered as a matter of course.

However, Kate’s love for nature is also reflected in her private engagements. In 2004, she participated in the founding of Monacology, which annually invites over a thousand children to spend a week to deal with sustainable issues. This was followed by Monaco Green, an initiative of government officials, associations and private individuals to protect the environment, and the Eco-Angels, a group of volunteers who pick up trash at the port.

When she finally received official Monegasque citizenship in 2009, she was promptly awarded the Order of Saint Charles, which recognizes outstanding individuals in Monaco, thanks to her efforts. In 2020, moreover, she was declared “Ambassador for Monaco’s Mission of Energy Transition”.

Reading all these facts, one cannot but pay great respect and tribute to this woman for her voluntary commitment to protect the environment.

“Kate Powers has radiated only positive energy”

But the many grieving people on facebook, Instagram and co. give me further valuable clues about her character. She “always laughed” (Christine O’Shaugnessy on facebook), “showed us how to live and was a true inspiration” (tracyrohan on Instagram), and “if ever anyone did everything right, it was Kate” (monacolife on Instagram).

Her longtime good friend Carl Henry describes her this way, “Kate just radiated positive energy, and was one of the most humble people I’ve ever met.”

Prominent people were often in Kate’s Stars ‘N’ Bars, but since she didn’t own a TV in her private life and had little interest in tabloid magazines, she often didn’t recognize the celebrities. Her world was real and existed beyond the glamour of Monaco’s superficial shadeside.

Unfortunately, I will not have the pleasure of her acquaintance in this lifetime. However, she inspired me even after her death with her impressive commitment and contagious love of life. Kate always wanted to do good (in 2018, she revealed in an interview with Monacolife that she originally wanted to become a nun) and she succeeded.

Stars ‘N’ Bars has lost its biggest star and Sirius, the brightest star in the evening sky, has received competition.

Now there’s only one thing left to do. To offer my deepest condolences to her longtime life partner Didier Rubiolo, son Shane Heminway, and all other grieving relatives, friends and acquaintances.