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KAITLYN KIESZEK Obituary
Kaitlyn Grace Kieszek, born July 15, 2007, passed away on April 16th 2012 in the arms of her loving parents and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Kaitlyn's life would seem too short to many, but for those who were touched by her infectious smile and contagious laugh understood that the quality of life far exceeds the quantity of time in which you live it.
Despite Kaitlyn's medical condition, she was happy, loving, waved and said Hi and Bye to everyone she met. She was sensitive to others' feelings, determined, stubborn and would try to do anything, even the impossible, and then would try it again. She taught us that every day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. Kaitlyn loved trying to keep up with her younger sister Callie and help take care of her baby sister Quinn. She enjoyed playing dress-up, reading books, and solving puzzles. She loved being outdoors swinging on the play set or splashing in the pool. She was a social butterfly who loved being around people and making new friends. She understood far more than she spoke.
With Kaitlyn's passing we remind others that her life is one to be celebrated, although we will miss her every day, especially her beautiful eyes and golden blonde curls. She will always remain forever in our hearts. Through her, we were able to create wonderful memories and it has been a privilege to be her parents. We are so thankful Kaitlyn's sisters Callie and Quinn met her and they will hold dear the memory of Kaitlyn's tender spirit.
Kaitlyn is survived by her loving parents, Drew and Kathi Kieszek; sisters, Callie and Quinn Kieszek; paternal grandparents, Larry and Carol Kieszek; maternal grandparents, Bill and Darea Oxendine; great grandparents, Harry (Baba) Baker, Mary Katherine Oxendine and Kathryn Kieszek; uncles, Jason Oxendine, Nick Kieszek, and John Pappas; aunt, Shelley Pappas; cousin, Georgia Pappas and many more family and friends.
A Celebration of Kaitlyn will be held Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Westside Baptist Church, 10000 Newberry Road, with Pastor John Parks officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jordan Klausner Foundation / GCEA, 3714 NW 33rd Terrace Gainesville, FL 32605.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA
(352) 376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KAITLYN KIESZEK
Lisa Schiavoni
April 13, 2025
Kaitlyn. You always brightened my work day. Oh, that smile...and those curls.. I know that you are in the arms of the angels.
Lisa Schiavoni
April 13, 2023
Gone but never forgotten... a smile to light up the world...a head full of curls...always trying her best. It was my privilege to be a part of her life.
Lisa Schiavoni
April 13, 2021
Oh that smile and oh those curls,.. It was a privilege to be a part of Kaitlyn’s journey and your family. I hope all s well with you. I live in Atlanta now and help care for my granddaughter. Many blessings to you all.
Lisa Schiavoni
Lisa Schiavoni
April 15, 2020
I remember that I infectious smile. You will never be forgotten. Hope everyone else is doing well. Stay healthy and safe.
Lisa Schiavoni
April 13, 2019
I remember the sweetest and happiest bundle of energy. I also remember her parents who were totally dedicated to her quality of life. I had the priviledge of working with this wonderful family. Blessings to you.
Andrea Keough
July 27, 2012
Kaitlyn, I've just learned of your passing and I am sending my deepest sympathy to your loving parents. I didn't know you very long but I remember everytime I saw your sweet face and how happy you made your mommy, daddy and puppy Bailey. I will always remember you as the perfect little angel you are! Bless you and your wonderful parents who always showered you with love. Watch over us all sweet baby girl with your loving grace!
Joan Statham
April 27, 2012
We did not have the priviledge or honor to meet Kaitlyn but she sounded like an amazing little angel. Our hearts are with you as grieve. May your faith give you comfort and strength. Kaitlyn is now in the loving arms of Our Father in Heaven.
God Bless You, Eric and Joan Statham
Gary Sandelin
April 26, 2012
April 26, 2012
Gary, Lisa and I are so sorry to hear about your little angel. She is in our thoughts and so is your family. May God give you the strength to move forward. You know that she is looking down from Heaven and is in a Happy place. We love you.
Gary and Dee Sandelin and family
Beverly Jones
April 26, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Kaitlyn's passing but she enjoyed her brief time here with us as evident by the many beautiful pictures. May you find comfort in knowing Kaitlyn is now able to do the many things she was not able to physically do here in her earthly body. You and your family are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Lisa Schiavoni
April 24, 2012
I was out of town last week and just heard about Kaitlyn. I am so very very sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers. She certainly touched my life and give me great joy. It was my privilege to serve her and your family.
Michelle Hill
April 24, 2012
Our hearts go out to your family. We are so sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and our prayers. Love, Michelle, Devon & Kolby Westhill
Sarah Robertson-Sanders
April 22, 2012
We are praying for your family and will continue to do so. May God comfort you and your children during this time.
Sid & Sarah Sanders
Christopher Mortberg "Sanders"
Kaitlyn Kieszek
April 21, 2012
Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy. You are in our prayers.
God Bless You,
Doug and Donna Johnson
April 21, 2012
I lost a grandson tomorrow will be two years, Dylan Stewart was taken from us tragically, but like you said we have beautiful memories of Dylan and we are so glad he had his twin brother Kyle, sister Natalie, and older brother Joey, his mother and dad miss him everyday but we carry him with us in our hearts, we know he is in the arms of Jesus our Lord and Savior. His Loving Grandmother Elaine Rains So sorry for your loss.
April 21, 2012
April 21, 2012
April 21, 2012
April 21, 2012
Edward and Shirley Landen
April 20, 2012
To the Kieszek Family
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Harper
April 20, 2012
Kathi & Drew
My heart is heavy with thoughts of your loss. I know there are no words or deeds that will make the loss any easier to bear. But God is with you and he will guide you through this difficult path. I will always regret not getting to know my beautiful cousin except through the loving stories told of her and her sisters by their Grandparents.
Barbara Kieszek
April 20, 2012
To all our dear ones, Kathi, Drew, Callie, Quinn, Oxendine and Kieszek families. We are heart-broken. She is a precious girl and a we will miss her special sweetness. The pictures chosen here are beautiful. God is with us always and especially at this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Joey, Barbara, Jason & Connie
Susan Eckenrode
April 20, 2012
Dear Kathi and Drew,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful, precious Kaitlyn. I know there are no words for how much you will miss her, but I pray you are comforted in knowing she is safe and happy with God.
I was inspired to write this poem for her this morning and share it now with you.
For Kaitlyn
Oh how we all will miss your dainty chin,
your silky golden curls and impish grin,
your captivating giggles of delight
and how you'd always try with all your might,
then try again.
We're grateful for the years we came to know
the joy of you. We basked within your glow.
And you were you right up until that day
your parents watched you breathe your life away.
They'll miss you so.
Our comfort is that, safe in Paradise,
you're running barefoot, chasing butterflies
and challenging the angels to a race
beyond the atmosphere through outer space,
where dreams arise.
Now every memory is safely filed
within our hearts. All Heaven must have smiled
to have you back again within their fold,
where, someday, we will meet again and hold
you... angel child.
written with love by,
Aunt Susan
April 20, 2012
Laura Fuller
April 19, 2012
Kathi, Drew, Callie and Quinn....all I can say is that I love you all. .....Laura Fuller
Kelly and Matt Lonesk
April 19, 2012
Kathi, Drew, Callie, Quinn, and Kieszek and Oxendine families you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 19, 2012
To the Kieszek Family
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. It was a pleasure to get to know Kaitlyn at school.
Velma Rembert
Casey Conner
April 19, 2012
Drew and Kathi - I want to let you know you're in my prayers. Kaitlyn brought so much joy and sunshine to everyone around her on the few times I was privileged to be in your family's graces. And although life brings many changes, God's love remains constant. He's always there, guiding us through the hard decisions and helping us do the hard things always restoring in us a sense of hope and peace, no matter what the tribulation. And the most beautiful thing about God is that the more we need Him, the closer He is...I know he is especially close to you now.
April 19, 2012
Kathi & Drew,
We have been thinking about you all so much these last few days. Your sweet Kaitlyn seemed like such a happy little girl who always had a smile on her face. We will keep you and your girls in our prayers.
Love,
Melissa & Todd Eberst
Susan Mitchell
April 19, 2012
Drew, Kathi, Callie & Quinn,
Our hearts go out to you and your families. Kaitlyn defined the word HAPPY. She always had a smile for each person she saw. We feel honored to have been a part of Kaitlyn's life. She made a lasting impression on our family. Kaitlyn defined the word Grace with her sweet demeanor and quiet determination. We will miss her dearly and hold her in our hearts forever.
Love you all,
Bobby, Susan, Jack & Sam Mitchell
Valerie Scott (Hidden Oaks)
April 19, 2012
My heart hurts when I think about not being able to see Kaitlyn's smile every morning. When she entered the room, her presence literally filled the classroom with so much joy and love. I haven't known her long, but the short time that I had with her I will treasure forever. I will miss picking her up getting her ready for morning circle, handing her her favorite cup, or spreading out her "Kaitlyn" blanket on the playground so that she could play with her favorite red car toy. (Crying) I will miss her so much! Every memory I have of Kaitlyn is filled with hugs and sheer joy. I will always treasure these memories forever.
Though Kaitlyn was only here for a short while, she will be in my heart forever. My thoughts and prayers are with Drew, Kathi, Callie, and Quinn!
Thank you for sharing Kaitlyn with me.
Kaitlyn, Callie, and their Dora dolls
Amy and Roy Padgett
April 19, 2012
Drew, Kathi, Callie, and Quinn -
My heart hurts with you guys as you begin to work through the loss of sweet Kaitlyn.
When I think of Kaitlyn, I think of happiness. She was truly the biggest light in any room and filled my heart with such joy and pride. I was so PROUD of her and admired her determination so much. I am posting a picture from Callie's third birthday. We gave Callie the same Dora doll as Chad and Christi. I gave Kathi the receipt so she could exchange it for something else but Kaitlyn had other plans for that Dora doll! Kathi later sent me this photo of the girls and THEIR Dora dolls!
Every memory I have of Kaitlyn is filled with hugs and sheer joy. What a blessing she was to all whose life she touched!
Though Kaitlyn was only here for a short while, she will be in our hears forever.
We love you guys.
Gail Green
April 19, 2012
Though I never got to meet her i am sure she is as precious as he sister. You and your family are in our hearts and in our prayers. May God give you the strenght to make it through this tough time and please let me know if i can help. Mrs. Gail
Thea & Paul Gargulak
April 19, 2012
My heart goes out to Drew, Kathi, Callie and Quinn for the loss of Kaitlyn. We hold her in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed by all.
Marvin and Kay
April 19, 2012
We were very fortunate to meet Kaitlyn a few weeks ago. She was a loving little girl, treating us like she knew us forever. She was very special and will be missed by all. Love to the family.
Devin & Annie Whitehurst
April 19, 2012
Kathi & Drew- we know far to well that there are no words. Only Jesus - and we know He will see you through the pain of loosing your precious Kaitlyn. We are praying for all of you.
Jennifer & Steve McElroy
April 19, 2012
Drew and Kathi,
Your family is in our hearts and prayers. May the Lord fill your heart with joyful memories and provide you with peace that surpasses understanding.
Kandy Penner
April 19, 2012
I remember when she was born; you were all so joyful. Drew was working on our kitchen and I wrote her name on our kitchen board so I'd remember it. It's still there: Kaitlyn Grace. Bill's and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kari Kieszek-Parker
April 19, 2012
Drew and Kathi-
I am so sorry to hear about beautiful Kaitlyn. She lit up a room and everyone could feel her happiness. Myself and Blake are praying for you all.
Denise Kirkland
April 19, 2012
Dear Family,
I never got to meet Kaitlyn, but heard about her so often from my niece Kristi B. Johnson and I would like you to know that prayers for you all are coming from me and I pray that you receive some comfort in knowing that she brought joy to Kristi and she shared that with me. The loving family you have will get you through this difficult time.
Denise Kemp Duce Kirkland
Angel Thomas
April 19, 2012
Kathi & Drew
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Brandon & Angel (Horne) Thomas
Joshua Branch
April 19, 2012
Drew & Kathi: She was an angel, and I will miss her dearly. She showed us all how precious our time here is, and her smile was absolutely contagious. I will never forget it. She was Heaven in a pair of cute glasses. Stay strong.
-Josh
April 19, 2012
Kathi and Drew,
Heaven met the sweetest angel this week. We are so sorry for your loss. Her laughter, giggles, hugs and happiness were more powerful than gold and will be remembered and treasured forever.
Love, The Barfields and Johnsons
April 19, 2012
Dear Drew and Kati, My prayers are with you at this time and may you never know any more sorrow. GLENDA ROBBINS (Matrix)
Rodger and Dee Watson
April 19, 2012
Drew and Kathi, The Kieszek and Oxendine Family. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. We cannot feel life's losses without first feeling the blessings of its fullness. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ita Sturman
April 19, 2012
Hi Drew, I was so sorry to hear about your loss.
Ita Sturman (from Matrix Asset Advisors in New York)
April 19, 2012
April 19, 2012
April 19, 2012
Kathi and Drew-
Our hearts are heavy and we are with you in our thoughts and prayers. What a precious Angel. "Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." JOHN 1:16 Danielle and Randy Ehlers-Gainesville, FL
"you all in our hearts"
sandra meza
April 19, 2012
sandra meza
April 19, 2012
como me duele lo que te hayas ido chiquita... nunca nunca olvidare esa sonrisa y tus esfuerzos por ser fuerte... no entiendo que paso , pero Dios te queria contigo... te voy a extranar y dale la fuerza a tus papitos de salir adelante. fue un placer conocerte y cuidar de ti . gracias por lo que me ensenaste :) dejaste una huella en mi corazon..
Angie Ammon
April 19, 2012
Drew and Kathi;
We know your pain too well. We will keep you all in our hearts and prayers.
~Angie and Bob Ammon
KATHY HAGLE
April 19, 2012
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
April 19, 2012
Kathi and Drew,
You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Meredith (Whitehurst) Priddy
Rich and Carol Bergenstal
April 19, 2012
We share your heartache and wish you sweet, sweet memories of beautiful Kaitlyn Grace.
Susan Hunt
April 19, 2012
Although I do not know your family and never had the privilege of meeting your beautiful child, my heart was so moved by your story this morning. As I looked for another's obituary, I ran across your courageous and endearing tribute to your sweet daughter. I will keep my thoughts and prayers with you all.
Sandra Gagnon
April 19, 2012
May the love of God, family and friends help you through this difficult time. Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about your beautiful daughter Kaitlyn. I remember her and her beautiful smile. She was absolutely precious. God must have needed another angel.
Sandra Gagnon (Kristin Nobles mother)
Lullabies
Daddy please don`t look so sad,
Mommy please don`t cry.
I am in the arms of Jesus
and He sings me lullabies.
Please do not try to question God,
don`t think He is unkind.
Don`t think He sent me to you and that
He changed His mind.
You see, I am special
and I`m needed up above.
I`m the special child you gave Him,
the product of your love.
I`ll always be there with you.
So watch the sky at night.
Find the brightest star that`s gleaming.
That`s my halo`s brilliant light.
So Daddy please don`t look so sad.
Mommy please don`t cry.
I am in the arms of Jesus.
And He sings me lullabies.
~Author Unknown
Kaitlyn on the merry-go- round
April 19, 2012
Carol Kieszek
April 19, 2012
Her laugh was infectious, her smile a joy. Our hearts are broken. She will be missed but thank God for the time we had with her.
Kathy Hagle
April 19, 2012
In my prayers I'm so sorry for your lost
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