My Loving Memories of Kaitlyn

Loving Memories of Kaitlyn

Darla holding Kaitlyn at Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church: that is my first memory of Kaitlyn. She was about 2 ½ / 3 years old and wearing a pretty, white hat with a wide brim made of eyelet. My first thought was “what a cute, little girl” and I noticed that she was about the same age as my daughter, Christine.  Shortly after that, there was that cute, little girl and her Mom again at the Mattituck-Laurel Library for one of their wonderful programs for toddlers. The rest is history, as they say, as Kaitlyn and her family became a big part of the life of my family. Soon after, another precious little girl that we met at the library named Corinne Araneo and her family joined us. We spent a tremendous amount of time together doing all kinds of fun activities with the girls. All are very fond memories, and regardless of what the activity was, Kaitlyn was always smiling and full of spirit and boundless energy- she absolutely knew how to have fun from a very young age.

Another special memory of Kaitlyn was the morning Carly was born. Darla and Joe called me sometime in the middle of the night to come over to be with Kaitlyn so they could head to the hospital. ( Yes, of course, the plan was in place before that night-we’re talking about Darla here!) It was a very special day that we spent together, along with both my girls: breakfast, time at the park, and we probably spent some time at the library, too. And Kaitlyn was SO excited about having a baby sister. And from that day on, Kaitlyn took on the role of “big sister” in an exemplary manner.

If there were such a thing as The 5 Musketeers, it would have been Kaitlyn, Corinne, Christine, Lisa, and Carly. They were pretty inseparable doing all kinds of special things or just playing together. There were trips to the city, trick or treating, Christmas caroling, making gingerbread houses at Gingerbread University, the Christmas “Character Breakfasts” and many other special outings. And of course, we will never forget the generosity of Darla and Joe opening up their home year after year for Easter Egg Hunts and the best birthday pool parties in town! Through it all, Kaitlyn was ever present, being helpful with the younger ones, organizing games, leading the way.

Some of my most cherished memories of Kaitlyn took place when she was  a student in my  Religious Education class from Kindergarten to 9th grade. I would pick up some of the students in my green Windstar mini-van, and Kaitlyn christened the van “The Religion Bus.” It kept that name way past the time that the students finished Religious Ed, and some of the best conversations took place in “The Religion Bus.” Having Kaitlyn in class was a Godsend ( no pun intended!)  She was smart and had a keen sense of humor. She was very adept at crafts (just like her Mom), which came in handy when the students were young because she was able to lend a hand to others who weren’t as crafty.  And as the students got older and there were less crafts and more discussion, I could always count on Kaitlyn to ask insightful questions and make astute comments, keeping things lively and the others involved.

These are just a few of the loving memories of Kaitlyn that bring joy to my heart.  Her  strong presence was always felt; Bill Araneo said it perfectly at Kaitlyn’s funeral Mass when he called Kaitlyn a Force. And because of the immeasurable love and unending dedication of Darla, Joe, and Carly and Kait’s Angels, Kaitlyn’s presence continues to be a Force. Kaitlyn continues to make a difference in the lives of so many, right here in our local community. She is truly a Guardian Angel, and I feel blessed when I find a dime because I know she is paying me a sweet visit, sometimes when I need it most.

You will always be in my heart, Kaitlyn

Love, Gail Angell