Kaitlyn Sara Reddy

Kaitlyn Sara “Katie” Reddy, 23, our gift from God, returned to her Heavenly Father on November 22, 2016, where she found eternal life. Born on May 25, 1993, she was the light in our lives for 23 wonderful years. Cherished daughter of Marlane and Dan Reddy, beloved sister and best friend to Ashley Reddy (Christian) and Alexa Murphy (Blake), loving niece to Marybeth Lentz (Ned), Suzanne Wolar (Billy), Kathleen Howard (Robert), Patrick Reddy (Annette), Matt Reddy, Tom Reddy, Kathy White (Jim), and Owen Chatham (Lisa). She was also survived by her two nieces Gabee and Mia Murphy, numerous cousins, and extended family in South Florida and New Jersey. Katie was pre-deceased by maternal grandparents Edward and Sara Conlon, and paternal grandparents Matthew A. Reddy and Marilyn Chatham. Katie was also blessed with many loving friends. She was a member of Hendersonville Presbyterian Church.

Katie grew up in Hendersonville and attended Etowah Elementary School, Rugby Middle, and was a 2011 graduate of West Henderson High School. She loved all her teachers but was especially fond of Jonnie Beth Ping and Debbie Freeman at Etowah, and Hilda Hamilton at Rugby. She learned to play the violin at Rugby under the direction of Andrea Dennis, and later at West with Tiffany King, both of whom she adored. At West Henderson, Katie joined the bluegrass club where Cliff Searcy taught her how to play the fiddle. At church, Music Director & Organist, Gayle Stepp, encouraged Katie to accompany her on a beautiful rendition of Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee. Music was her passion and we thank you all for playing such an important role in Katie’s life.

Last December, Katie graduated with honors from Western Carolina University, with a degree in sociology, and was a proud Catamount. She loved being at WCU with her sister, Ashley, and her best friend/roommate, Emily Williams. Most recently, Katie was pursuing certification to become a veterinary technician. She loved her fur babies! She leaves behind her beloved pup, Taco; Roger the rabbit, who thinks he’s a cat; her orange tabby, Kitty Kitty; and a houseful of strays that she just couldn’t say no to. We are so very grateful to Katie’s roommate, Mason, who has offered to raise Katie’s beloved Taco. You have been such a blessing to us this past week.

Katie gave her “all” in everything she did. Her enthusiasm for life was contagious. Although Katie was taken from us much too soon, she will live on in our hearts forever.

Katie’s Celebration of Life event will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 12:30 pm. Please join us as we celebrate the life of Katie Reddy. Bring your memories to share with her family and friends. Dress is casual – if you have a purple shirt you can wear, that would be awesome. There will be music, stories, food, laughs, hugs, and a lot of love. If Katie touched your life in any way, we invite you to spend the afternoon with us.

Location: East LaPorte Park, 6912 Hwy. 107, Cullowhee, NC 28723 http://www.rec.jacksonnc.org/east-laporte

We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers, and support we have received in recent days but words can’t express enough gratitude to one amazing individual who helped bring Katie back home to us that fateful day. Roger, we thank you. We love you. We are forever grateful for your selflessness and bravery.

Katie’s message to us would be very simple: Life is so unexpected and so very short. Cherish every moment with loved ones. Be joyful. Be kind. Love one another and let it be.

Memorials in Katie’s name can be made to:

Blue Ridge Humane Society 88 Centipede Lane Hendersonville, NC 28792
Jackson County Humane Society 463 Airport Road Sylva, NC 28779
Hendersonville Presbyterian Church 699 N. Grove Street Hendersonville, NC 28792