KATY MARIETTE VAN DRUNEN

(Jan. 5, 1983-March 31, 2003)
Katy Mariette Van Drunen was called back to God on Monday evening, March 31, 2003, with her beloved mother at her side, following a very short illness.
Katy was born in Fort Frances, Ont., and from infancy displayed a sweetness of disposition that characterized her throughout her life. She loved people, and habitually cared for those with whom she came into contact.
Katy’s dream was to become a teacher, and she was just completing a successful first year at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. This past year had reinforced for her that dream of teaching and she thrived on the challenges of university life.
Physical fitness was an integral part of Katy’s life, and she usually was up early running or working out in the university gym. She joked that she was easily identified on campus each weekend as she was the only person up and about on a weekend morning.
In preparation for her university years, Katy worked for the past few years at the local Pharmasave store. Greeting and helping the customers were tasks she enjoyed, and her love of people shone through as she served and assisted them.
The Pharmasave staff members were wonderful to Katy, and she thought of them as extended family. Katy had just made the decision to come home for the summer and work with these friends again.
Katy had many good friends who are distraught by the loss of this caring and compassionate young woman. Katy and her friends loved spending time together. She had a personality that put everyone at ease.
Never judgmental of her friends, Katy saw beauty in each of them. These friends knew that Katy put their needs ahead of her own much of the time, and they appreciate that a friendship like this is rare.
A large and loving family survives Katy, including her mom, Daria Hammond; her dad, Tim Van Drunen; sisters, Amy Van Drunen and Kaya Hammond; brothers, Tim Van Drunen Jr. and Jordan Hammond; stepmother, Katherine McHughen, and stepfather, Lyle Hammond; grandmother, Lil Van Drunen; aunts, Teresa (Al) Baker, Elizabeth Van Drunen, and Margie Van Drunen; and uncle Fred Van Drunen.
On her mom’s side, Katy will be missed by aunties, Mariette (Keith) McRae, Cis (Bob) Barron, and Liz (Gerry) Parent; and uncles, Steve (Kathi) Gagne, Peter (Ellie) Gagne, and Robin (Cynde) Gagne.
Some precious great-aunts and uncles include Marianne Gagne, Marg and Gordie Woollard, and Ruby Gallagher.
Katy has a legion of adoring cousins, including Jeff, Tyler, and Craig Gagne, Jonathan and Rachel (DiFranchesci) Ballard, Bradley, Neil, and Christy (Barnard) McRae, Michael, Peter, Eric, and Joelle Barron, Christopher, Michael, and Danny Gagne, Jessica, and Samantha Pearson, Celeste Christianson, Jillian and Paul Gagne, Matthew, Alex, and Mark Parent, Trevor, Jeff, Henry, and Nicole Baker, Jeremy and Amber Martin, and Christopher Van Drunen.
Katy was predeceased by her two grandpas, Henry Van Drunen and Rom Gagne; and her maternal grandmother, Bertha Gagne.
Friends may visit Thursday, April 3, 2003 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Vigil prayers will be offered at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 4, 2003 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Fr. Ed Merchant will officiate, with Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Gagne, Tyler Gagne, Chris Gagne, Michael Gagne, Matthew Parent, and Jeremy Martin.
Donations in Katy’s memory may be made to the Rainy River District Musical and Drama Festival, Box 806, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N1.
Godspeed little angel. We love you very much.