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KATIE SANDERSON Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for KATIE SANDERSON
Phyllis Masterson
July 13, 2025
Dear Katie, I just yesterday was going through one of my old pocket books and came across a letter you sent to me thanking me for the help I gave you and Michael when you were apartment and property searching. I don´t believe it was a coincidence that I found that letter yesterday. It happened for a reason as it´s your 14 anniversary in heaven. You are truly one of the sweetest and loving people I´ve had the pleasure of meeting. Rest in peace. Always in my
Ellen Harvey
July 26, 2011
Katie was a beautiful radiant soul. She will be greatly missed. I feel lucky to have know her and wish more than I can say that it could have been for longer. All my love to Mike and Milo.
Matt Malone
July 25, 2011
I cannot put into words how saddened we are by the news of Katie's passing. It goes without question that this is a tragedy of neverending sadness and proportion.
Mike and Milo, though I don't know you and your family, both my wife Jen and I knew Katie from childhood and our deepest sympathies go out to your family and the Sanderson Family. Mike, stay strong and happy with your son and teach him the happiness that Katie brought to those around her.
Katie, you will be missed, your smile and happiness was unlike anyone else that has walked this earth.
Our deepest thoughts and sympathy,
Matt & Jen Malone
and the Ellis Family
Betsy Pinkerton
July 24, 2011
Mark, Ruth and Ellen - I have no words that can begin to express my deepest sympathy. I pray your 34 years of wonderful memories will sustain you in the days and years ahead. Our prayers are with you. The Pinkertons
Maggie McCarthy
July 21, 2011
Katie was a radiant light - beautiful, intelligent, and huge-hearted. It felt wonderful to go from being her professor to being her friend, to watch her launch the adventurous life that she and Mike built together. Our visits in New York and Grasmere left me feeling so proud of her, so inspired by the style and spirit she brought to each new chapter of her life. I hold in my heart right now memories of a bus ride down 5th Avenue, our two families together watching the park roll by, Milo perched on a seat by the window. And there was Katie, so in the moment, a smile spread across her face. Katie's grace was a gift to everyone lucky enough to have shared the ride with her for awhile.
All our love goes to Mike and Milo.
Aidan, Craig & Natalia Wallen
July 21, 2011
Katie, a sunshine full of life and hapiness, with a beautiful, inspiring and contagious smile and soul... you will remain alive in our hearts and minds forever.
Our deepest condolences to Mike, Milo, Ellen and her parents.
Love you Katie and we always will.
Gretchen Rubin
July 21, 2011
It's hard to imagine the world without Katie. What a terrible thing. Katie had so much energy and enthusiasm -- and at the same time that she was full of fun and ideas, she also a kind of quiet empathy that made people feel that she understood them in a special way. Her passion for the causes she championed was a tremendous force, and her love for her family was always on her mind. Mike, I will never forget the silly pictures of the two of you clowning on some stairs, when Katie was hugely pregnant, just before Milo was born. My thoughts and all my love are with you and your family.
Sandy (Crabtree) Durrance
July 21, 2011
Mike,
I knew you as a toddler, probably the age that Milo is now, when you lived in CA. Though I haven't seen you all these years, I have been kept updated about your life through your great Aunt Verna and your mom and dad. They have shared pixs of you, Milo and Katie and about your lives together. On behalf of my family, I would like to extend our deepest sorrow for the loss of your wife and Milo's mom. Though your grief is great, we pray that in the days, months and years to come that you will find peace and comfort in the memories you shared. Know that we are thinking of all of you and wish that we could be closer to do more. You may have Ehsan's # in NY - give him a call if needed. If you and Milo travel to CA., please stop by to see Aunt Verna. We could see you then as well. As extended family - we send our love to you and Milo.
Sandy & Glenn
Jess Yager
July 21, 2011
Dear Mike, Milo, and the Sanderson family- To read this guest book is to confirm what a striking and consistent impression Katie made- everyone who met Katie has clearly been touched by her warmth, her smile, her laugh. I knew Katie through mutual close friends, and felt it was my privilege to consider her my friend as well. She will be deeply and profoundly missed. Much love to you all.
July 20, 2011
Ruth, Mark, Mike and Milo,
Our hearts go out to all of you on your terrible loss. Katie was a lovely person and a joy to be around.
Sincere condolences,
Steve and Diane Sarantopoulos
July 20, 2011
I’ve watched Katie grow from a precocious youngster into a beautiful young woman, wife and mother. She brought Mike into our family, a man who complemented Katie to a T and added such joy and happiness to her life. Milo completed the Sanderson-Miga family and clearly brings delight to all who know him, especially his parents, grandparents and Aunt Ellen. Katie’s loss is profound and her memory will continue to inspire. Mike and Milo, you are always welcome in Minnesota.
Love, Aunt Joan
Melanie Smith
July 20, 2011
Katie was one of the most special people I have ever met. She was my first and best boss and also a dear friend. So hardworking, kind, professional, diplomatic, calm, energetic, sophisticated, fun, thoughtful, hilarious, smiley, warm, and intelligent . . . I learned a lot from Katie and I treasured our time together.
I am (selfishly) so devastated by this news and will forever be thinking about you Mike, Milo, Ellen, the Sandersons and the Migas.
With so much love . . .
Jennifer Yanaga
July 20, 2011
She left behind a beautiful family whom embodies everything she was about. Katie lives on in their hearts...never to be forgotten.
Bonnie Levison
July 20, 2011
I met your beautiful Katie through her work at The Moth. She was a star and gorgeous light in this world. Rest in peace Katie. With deepest sympathy.
Jenny Stulberg
July 20, 2011
Katie was one of those people you just wanted to be around-her friendly, enthusiastic, and sincere disposition was infectious. Her smile and energy could light up a room, and it always did. Just by being in her presence you could feel the immeasurable amount of love she had for her family and friends, and I am blessed and honored to have known her; she will truly, truly be missed . Sending my thoughts and prayers to her family and those who loved her.
Margaret Angell
July 20, 2011
Dear Mike and Milo and the Sanderson Family,
I've been thinking about Katie so often these last few days. What a smile. She was so loving. As her friend's little sister, she wrapped me in the same love she gave Liz, Vic and Henry. She sent my daughter, Ella, presents and she emailed me such encouraging words when I became a new mom. Her heart and smile will be so missed. I can't imagine the hurt you are in and I send lots and lots of love and hugs.
Much love,
Margaret
Marion Friedman Young
July 20, 2011
While we did not get to know her well, Katie's generosity, kindness, and intelligence brought so much to our work with her. She never hesitated to help and offer any advice she could. From everyone at The Civilians, our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Sabina Midura
July 20, 2011
R.I.P Katie Sanderson
You will be dearly missed, always remembered for the sweet, kind and loving person you were. When you smiled it made everyone's day better!
My deepest condolences go out to Mike and Milo. There are no words that can express how terrible this tragedy is nor are there any words that will make things better. The best we can try to do is keep her spirit in our hearts and her smile in our mind.
If there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask.
Ryan Roy
July 20, 2011
It was a privilege to have Katie as a schoolmate and friend growing up. No doubt she will be missed.
To Mike, Milo and the rest of the family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Farooq Ahmed
July 19, 2011
Katie was perhaps the most relentlessly optimistic person we have ever met.
I think its fair to say that she will be missed by everyone whose path she crossed - even if just briefly.
We love you Mike, Milo and your families.
-Farooq and Priya
Jan Tilley
July 19, 2011
To Mike, Milo & Family,
I did not know Katie very well, but what I did know was that she was a very high-spirited, enthusiastic, friendly, and generous person that I clicked with & liked right away. I took care of her kitties (Trudi & Malcolm), and she was largely responsible for my very happy move to Hunters Point, LIC, when she helped me find the place I was looking for in the neighborhood. I see now from all these beautiful posts that that was a very "Katie" trait: Helpful to everyone around her.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear this news. I wish there was something I could do to ease the pain of the family. I can only hope we all get to be together with our loved ones one way or another...eventually... in a very happy state.
Much love to the family.
Love and thanks to you Katie, I will always be grateful to you. Thank you for helping me find my happy home in LIC. May you rest in peace and happiness.
Jan Tilley
Ann (Culp) Chow
July 19, 2011
I had the great honor of witnessing Katie and Mike meet, get to know each other and fall in love. Although I have been far away for their married life together and the birth of Milo, I have no doubt that they shared much joy together as a family.
Katie had a fantastically infectious smile, it was so easy to get caught up in it. When I close my eyes to remember her, that is the image that I see- youthful, beautiful, sparkling Katie.
My deepest condolences to Mike and dear Milo and the Sanderson family.
Phyllis Masterson
July 19, 2011
I'am really at a loss for words. I remember Katie as being a ray of sunshine, always smiling and so full of life. What a beautiful, loving person. My heart is broken and I can only imagine how devastated Mike, Milo and her family are. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all for this great loss. Katie, I will remember you always.
Mark Ferris
July 19, 2011
Truly a great person...
Our family's thoughts are with Mr. & Mrs. Sanderson, Ellen, Mike, Milo and the rest of your family..
-Mark & Kristen Ferris
Susan Courtemanche
July 19, 2011
Dear Mike ... it is with such sadness that I express my condolences for a loss that must be unbearable to you and Milo. Her life and contribution to the world will be long remembered and embodied in the institutions she touched from the Whitney where I had the opportunity to work with her to Moth, where she found her niche. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Milo and your families ... Susan Courtemanche
Jennifer Wade
July 19, 2011
Mark, Ruth, Ellen, Michael, and Milo,
I had just reconnected with Katie after so many years apart, I can't believe we've lost her. She was an amazing friend, and is so much a part of who I am.
All my love to you.
Towles (Allison) Kintz
July 19, 2011
Mike, I did not know Katie well at Davidson, but I clearly remember her beautiful smile and her joyful disposition. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and Milo in my prayers in the difficult time ahead.
Gina Fox
July 19, 2011
Oh Mike,
This is a letter I never thought I would have to write. What I would give not to write it.
Tragedy is a word too easily thrown around. “I lost my phone…it’s a tragedy1” USA lost the World Cup…it’s a tragedy!” but losing Katie IS a tragedy. Not having her in the world IS a tragedy. Not seeing her sparkling grin, snuggling with Milo, laughing with you, IS a tragedy.
And miracle is also a word too easily thrown around but Katie was a miracle before she was a tragedy. She had the miraculous spark of life that was evident the minute we met. There was so much I learned from her. She was dedicated, thoughtful, passionate and so so funny. Her only flaws were culinary and even then, she was able to laugh at her kitchen disasters, embellishing the stories in such a way that the table was full of laughter and everyone left happy. She was also such a problem solver that marrying you neatly filled that one deficiency in her life.
Meeting you and falling in love with you was one of the biggest joys of her life and she often reminded me that she always felt so “lucky” that you; cool, handsome, funny Mike, responded in kind. That Milo was the result was just another miracle.
Katie and you, and then Milo, enriched my life and that of my children. You were the fun cousins, the younger siblings and best friends, all rolled up into the ball of fun that was Katie and her amazing core of friends. I told you that I was always impressed, amazed, and not a little jealous, of how close you all are and I know that you’ll need them in the months to come.
I think of Milo every August when the fair comes to Rhinebeck and the day he was born, and the day he came home to Grasmere. I’ve never seen a prouder mom. You both always have a home here whenever you want or need. I can't imagine writing the announcement you did but Katie would approve.
All my love and so much sorrow,
Gina
Erin Silva
July 19, 2011
To Katie's family,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Katie's passing. She was a wonderful caring and cheerful spirit. I loved working with her at the Whitney Museum of American Art, I didn't know her extremely well but her friendship made an impact on me. It was always a joy hearing her stories about her son Milo and her husband Mike's adventures.
She will live in all of us through the wonderful stories we can share.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Johanna and James Hosking
July 19, 2011
We too were so shocked to hear the news about Katie. I keep thinking of her positivity and her ready laugh. Our thoughts are with you Michael and Milo and Mr and Mrs Sanderson and Ellen. Katie was a very rare and special person.
Peggy Cole
July 19, 2011
Mark, Ruth and Ellen,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Katie's passing. I have very fond memories of babysitting, both Katie and Ellen. Katie was a bright, beautiful, fun and happy girl. There are no words to express how truly sorry I am for your loss. You, and Katie's husband and son, are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy (McLaughlin) Cole
Elizabeth Angell
July 19, 2011
Dear Friends,
Katie's family is beginning to plan a memorial service for Katie and friends are working to establish an education fund for Milo in Katie's memory. If you'd like to be kept updated, please email [email protected], and we'll be in touch with more details.
Tom & Kellye Pilgrim
July 19, 2011
To Katie.
We remember you, so warm and caring. Always smiling. One of the truly kindest and sweetest people we have known. We had some great times with you and Mike in New York. We really can't believe you are gone. We miss you.
Our very deepest sympathies to Mike, Milo and the Sanderson family.
All our love to you.
Kimberly Lamson
July 19, 2011
Katie,
You were such a beautiful, smart and wonderful friend. I will cherish the fond memories that I have of us. I love you and will miss you always.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. & Mrs. Sanderson, Ellen, Mike and Milo.
Dimitris Ioannou
July 19, 2011
Sleep well Katie,
a friend from Athens.
I'm shocked... Katie, one of the best, most lovable people I got to know in New York gone like that.
All my love and sympathy to Mike and Milo.
July 19, 2011
We just read this. Jo and I hadn't seen Katie and Mike for years. But we have thought a lot about both of you. We are so shocked and saddened. Katie was a rare loveable special person. All our thoughts go out to Mike and Milo. Jim and Jo Hosking, London, England.
Ed and Joan Casabian
July 19, 2011
To the Sanderson Family,
Ed and I express our deepest condolences. Katie was a beautiful person....our hearts go out to you, her son and her husband.
Such a tragedy.... you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
July 19, 2011
I am deeply saddened by the news of Katie's sudden passing. She was a bright and vibrant light wherever she went spreading much joy and laughter. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. My heartfelt sympathies to Mike, Milo and her family during this very sad time.
Alexandra Wheeler
July 19, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to Mike, Milo and all of Katies family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bruce Palombo
July 19, 2011
I will always remember her grit and determination in fighting for anything she believed to be correct or just....it was unwavering. Additionally, she had a great sense of humore--I will never forget her candidate for "office" in P.O.D., "Pat Turner;" I'm sure Dolores got a chuckle out of that one. RIP Katie, you will be missed.
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