In Memory of Katherine

September 5, 1989 - April 29, 2010

Loving daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend.
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Katherine (also sometimes known as "Ducky") was a one-of-a-kind, beautiful, funny, incredibly caring person.  She was loved by many, liked by all.  She was taken from this world way to soon, just a few months shy of her 21st birthday (and if you knew her, you know just how much she was looking forward to turning 21!)  Whether you were brought to this website on purpose, or by chance, we would love for you to look through the pictures and read through the stories and maybe get a small glimpse into the beautiful and wonderful life of our Katherine.
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A little bit about Katherine

Katherine grew up in the California Bay Area, and was the youngest of four girls!  She was the most adorable, blonde-haired blue eyed chubby baby/toddler you have ever seen.  She was the smartest little thing, always trying to keep up with her big sisters, and doing a darn good job!  She loved Disney movies and doggies and kitty cats, playing with her sisters, her stuffed sylvester the car, and playing all the sports.  She was known for reciting movie lines, which is where she got the nickname "Ducky" (ever seen the Land Before Time??)

She eventually discovered she loved volleyball most of all, and that became her sport of choice.  Surprisingly, although surrounded by 3 wonderful older sisters, she was the only one that knew anything about hair and make up and fashion, and was eager to teach them all about all of it.  She was an excellent student, a loyal friend, and the best little sister you could ask for.

When she graduated high school, she moved down to UCSB for college, where she made a new amazing group of friends, had a boyfriend who she loved (and who loved her right back), and she was busy making the life she had always dreamed of.  

Understandably, often people want to know what happened to her, since she died at such a young age.  Long story short, Katherine had a blood clotting disorder that was seemingly well managed, until one day she died suddenly and unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism.  At the time, she was at her apartment with all of her friends in Santa Barbara.  It was sudden and unexpected and absolutely heartbreaking for everyone that knew her.

The Tree

After she passed away, we were able to plant a memorial tree for her by the beach, which was one of her favorite places to visit. It started as a small sapling, and over the years it has continued to grow and grow to a beautiful, thriving tree.  There is a small dedication plaque under it, which is maybe what brought you here, to learn about the story of Katherine, and the history behind the tree.

It has become a place of remembrance, where friends and family like to visit.  During the holidays it gets decorated with ornaments.  Often friends will visit and leave some colorfully decorated rocks, flowers or decorations, just to make sure the tree is as beautiful and full of life as Katherine was.

If you are ever in the area, feel free to leave a little treasure, have a seat in the shade, enjoy the beautiful ocean view and breeze, and take a moment to really cherish and appreciate those around you.  The ones you love that are still here, right in front of you.  Tell them you love them. That you appreciate them.  That they mean something to you.  Life can be fleeting and unexpected and you never know  if today might be your last.