Katelyn Alice Reece, Potsdam

POTSDAM -- Katelyn Alice Reece came to peace surrounded by her family on January 14, 2024.

Katelyn was born in Chicago, Illinois to Linda and Larry Reece as the third of four children.

Katie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at the age of 2.

Katie was known as ‘Wild Woman’ by her family, supported in her life by many, and loved by all.

As a 2009 graduate from Potsdam High School Katie was very active in the school community. Katie participated in the band, yearbook, newspaper, and photography club throughout her years as a Sandstoner.

Katie’s love for music followed her for the next 15 years as she participated in community drum circles led by Len Mackey and music programs provided by music therapist Tracy Wanamaker.

Katie woke each morning with a big smile on her face, ready to start the day. She enjoyed being out in the community, seeing her friends, and volunteering every week.

As a volunteer, Kate could be found at the Best Friends Thrift Store, making cards at Partridge Knoll, or baking for numerous community organizations.

Katie enjoyed swimming, riding her bicycle, cooking, horseback riding, spending time with her family, and being entertained by her very energetic nieces. Even though Katie couldn’t speak, you always knew what she was thinking with her infectious smile and notorious stink eye.

Katie was blessed to be supported by many people who saw the person behind the disability and made sure she had a very active life.

Thank you to her teachers and therapists especially Maureen Carrara, Sherrie Demers, and Stephanie Hill who loved her and created opportunities for Katie to experience so much.

Katie was the light of her family’s life and will be greatly missed by her parents, Linda and Larry Reece; brothers, Brian (Emi), and Christopher; sister, Audrey; numerous aunts and uncles; Grandmother Geraldine Reece (Kansas); and adoring nieces, Mina and Alin Reece.

Katie was predeceased by her grandfather, Lindsay Trerise who made sure she experienced being in the woods, her grandmother, Barabara Trerise who learned all of her care needs and her grandfather, Lawrence Reece of Kansas.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life on Thursday, January 25 at Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam.

Calling hours are 2-4 pm, followed by a service of celebration.  In lieu of flowers please be casual in your brightest colors.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences to the family online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.