On September 28, 2022, Katie Ketchen passed from the loving arms of her parents into the more loving arms of her savior. She died of complications from Aicardi Syndrome at her home in Lenox.
Born on October 17, 2017 in Springfield, MA, Katie came into the world with many, many uncertainties. Diagnosed with severe brain and spinal abnormalities at 18 weeks of pregnancy, Katie overcame challenge after challenge because of the prayers of her family and countless friends as well as the world class medical care she received from armies of dedicated professionals. Throughout her short life, she came to exemplify the words of Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” She was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome shortly after birth while also suffering from polymicrogyria, epilepsy, severe scoliosis kyphosis – leaving her unable to walk, talk, swallow or breath properly.
Despite, or perhaps because of, her profound disabilities, she was a blessing to all of those who knew her. She faced her challenges with strength and dignity as a beloved image-bearer of God, whom she glorified and enjoyed. While completely non-verbal, she communicated her love through her alternately snuggly and feisty personality. Some of her favorite activities included listening to her brother, Caleb, read to her and hearing her brother Jack tell her that he loved her. Lacking a voice of her own, she loved hearing theirs. She had a beautiful smile. She also loved music, sunshine and tubbie time. Perhaps her greatest joy – and power – was her snuggling (especially with her parents). While unable to walk, she enjoyed trips with her family in her special chair to Gettysburg, Long Island Sound, Boston, Amherst, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and, lastly, Rockport – where she enjoyed several memorable days near the ocean with her family sponsored by the “Make-A-Wish” Foundation. Aside from her home, she most loved visiting the parks in Lenox.
She is survived by her parents, Christopher and Kimberly Ketchen, and her brothers Caleb and Charles “Jack”, of Lenox. he also leaves her paternal grandparents, Charles and Karen Ketchen of Alford; maternal grandmother Cathy Fletcher (Keith) of Sheffield; maternal grandfather John Clouser, Sr. of Falls Village, Conn.; and many loving uncles, aunts, cousins and extended relatives.
She enjoyed the love and support of a large group of friends and caregivers – particularly the nurses that knew her best (Aja, Christine, Terry, Arlene, Simon and Sally). She was supported in prayer and friendship by her family’s Koinonia group at Hope Church in Lenox. Katie spent substantial time in the care of HospiceCare in The Berkshires, Pediatric Development Center, CHP Berkshire Pediatrics, Baystate Children’s Hospital, Mass General Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Her family is overwhelmingly grateful to all of those that worked so hard in the face of tremendous odds to make her life as long and happy as it could possibly be.
Calling hours for Katie Ketchen will be on Monday, October 3rd from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240. Private burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Katie’s name to any of the wonderful organizations and institutions mentioned above that showed her so much love during her life. Such donations can be made in care of the funeral home.
