Katherine Colleen Parker, known by friends and loved ones as Katie, was born April 29, 1991, and passed away June 23, 2010.
A recent resident of Vero Beach, Katie had a special way of touching the lives of all who met her. Katie has family in Sanford, Florida and the surrounding area but as soon as she moved in with the love of her life, Alex Kempf, in Vero Beach she quickly became a vital part of the Kempf family.
Irene and Dennis Kempf, Sr. thought of Katie as another one of their own children and tried to take care of her as such. Katie spent many hours sharing thoughts, hopes, dreams, and worries of the future with Irene.
Josh, Sr. stood in as Katie’s big brother, as she often referred to him, and they teased and harassed each other just like true brothers and sisters do. Natili was her baby sister and they spent cherished time together going to movies, the mall or just playing at the house.
Josh’s wife, Jenna, became good friends with Katie and Katie often said she spent more time with Josh and Jenna’s kids, Mikayla and Josh, Jr., than with her blood related nieces and nephews. Her heart was big enough to hold a special place for both families who loved her so much as well as the multitude of friends she made along the way.
As generous in her death as she was during her life, Katie not only eased lives but saved the lives of people from 9-years-old to 66 by donting her organs to others in need.
Continuing in that pattern, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Katie’s memory to the Trauma Center that cared for Katie as well as her loved ones who stayed by her side as she struggled to live.
Donations should be sent to the Healthfirst Foundation, 1350 S. Hickory St., Melbourne, FL 32901 along with a note asking that the money be dedicated to the Holmes Regional Medical Center Trauma Unit in Katie’s name.
A celebration of Katie’s life will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.on Friday July 2, 2010 at 2676 50th Avenue, Vero Beach 32966. Anyone whose life she touched is welcome to attend.
