We were very shocked when we heard about
Kathryn. Shannon has many fond memories of Kathryn from Primadonna,
DanceWest, and Steps. She remembers the many recitals, Nutcrackers,
competitions, and dance classes. She said one of her most favorites was
when the girls danced for American Girl, which turned out to be one of
their last dances together at Primadonna. Shannon never forgot Kathryn
after we moved to Texas.
We both remember Kathryn's incredible smile
and laugh. It was contagious. Kathryn always had words of wisdom for
Shannon when she was down or upset. It seems that Kathryn had a knack
for knowing when someone was down in the dumps which Shannon was after
she found out we were moving to Texas at the beginning of her junior
year in high school. Even though there was 3 years difference in
Kathryn and Shannon, Shannon always considered Kathryn a close friend.
I know that Kathryn's presence at Steps,
North, Naperville, and the Bender family is truly missed. I am truly
sorry for all the lives that she will not be able to touch at NIU-they
won't know what they have missed.
I know that Kathryn in dancing in heaven for
all those that went before her.
Kathryn-"I hope you dance".
Neal Leatherman
04/18/06
As the Social Worker at WJHS, I knew who
Kathryn was, but didn't really know her. After talking with people and
spending some time on this memorial website, I feel like her life has
been shared with me. We all need to know about people like Kathryn who
have spirit and who pass on gifts of love and support to others. It
awakens us once again to what life is all about. I am thankful for the
opportunity to get a glimpse of your sister, daughter, granddaughter,
niece, and friend. I will be at the 5k run in May and will run even
harder knowing that day is in memory of such a girl. I have two girls
of my own, and I worry less about the future when I'm reminded what
little girls can become....Kathryns!
Jacob Class
04/19/06
I didn't know Kathryn that well, but I knew
that she was a very sweet girl and I knew that Nick loved her a lot. I
want to be able to show my support for Nick even though I am further
away now. The experience has shown me that my brothers are that much
more precious and I need to treat them so. Thanks for everything Nick.
Lisa Dawn Foertsch
04/19/06
Nick Bender, Kathryn's older brother, is a
very important friend of mine. He's a wonderful person with a beautiful
heart and spirit. I did not get the chance to meet Kathryn... However,
through the love Nick has for her, Kathryn is still touching hearts and
creating smiles. I am humbled and touched to know Nick and inspired by
the love the Bender family shares for one another. I am thankful to
have been told of Kathryn's life and the effects her spirit has on so
many others. Even me. Thank you to God and Kathryn for Nick's
friendship.
Nikki Bergin
4/22/06
This is an amazing web site. It is a
beautiful tribute to Kathryn, you
should be proud.
Although I have not seen the Bender family
in quite a while, I was devestated to
hear of your loss. Kathryn was a beautiful and intelligent woman.
I knew Kathryn when she was a young and have
always been impressed by her dancing
abilities. I remember coming back to Naperville to visit the Falconio's
after being
away at college. Megs and I went to see Elizabeth, Kathryn and Nick at
one of their
hip hop classes. We had only planned on stopping by so I could say hi.
At that
point Nick had just starting dancing. All three amazed me! Megs and I
ended up
staying for the entire class. I always knew Elizabeth and Kathryn were
great
dancers but I never knew Nick was a little Back Street boy!
Doris, Elizabeth and Nick- You have been in
my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry
for your loss and wish you comfort in the difficult time.
JoJo Gloël
4/22/06
To Kathryn's family and friends - I was
Nick's Stage Manager for the Crucible
at the time of Kathryn's passing. When Nick was ready, he came back to
rehearsal a
few days later and told us some of Kathryn's story. I had never met
her, but was
upset that I hadn't after hearing Nick speak of her. She seemed to be
such a
wonderful inspiration to everyone she was in contact with.
Nick told us that night
that we should tell our loved ones that we love them everyday and that
if we are
fighting or just having a tiff with anyone that we care about, to just
let it go,
because none of us know how long we have with each other here on earth.
Nick
inspired me that night to call my mother who lives far away who I was
having a fight
with and we weren't speaking. Thank you to Kathryn & Nick for
that. It's wonderful
every time we are reminded of things like that - what a special gift
life really is.
I'm still not perfect with my mother and just looking at this beautiful
webpage of
Kathryn's life today has reminded me of this once again.
I'm going to be one of the
volunteers helping at Kathryn's dance benifit in May. To all of you
that I have
never met who loved Kathryn so much - I am very proud to be a part of
this & would
love to help in the future if you ever need me to.
love, jojo**
Eileen Lannon
4/25/06
To all who have submitted pictures: I love
looking at all the pictures of
you and Kathryn! They are wonderful. It makes me realize even more how
many people
miss her. Thank you so much.
Julia Esbjornson
4/29/06
I didn't know Kathryn at all until the
Friday before Halloween of 2005. I never
really liked ballet but Kathryn made it fun and easy. Every Friday I'd
look
forward to having her teach me. I still practice at home some of the
warm-ups she
went through with us. (I'm in Petite group.) She even picked out our
ballet costume
and song. That costume is the best out of them all.
Connor Burke
5/2/06
I unfortunately never got the chance to meet
Kathryn, but I have been lucky
enough to know her brother. Nick has been a great friend and a constant
inspiration throughout this year. I cherish every moment we got to work
together. One thought that was often repeated after Kathryn passed on,
was that
it's easy to take things for granted. I just wanted to say that I would
not
exchange Nick's friendship for anything, he is one of the strongest
people I know,
and I hope to work with him again soon.
Emily Rosenberg
4/11/06
I've known Kathryn my whole life. She was always a beautiful dancer and
you could always count on seeing her similing face on stage. Kathryn, I just want you
to know that everyone who knew you will always love you and miss you.