Katherine Lynn Smith “Katie”, age 25, of Hackettstown, NJ died Tuesday, August 27, 2019 after a long struggle to embrace recovery. Katherine was born October 4, 1993 in Hackettstown, NJ with a feisty cry and a full, dark head of hair. She was the daughter of David Smith, Jr. and Renee Bielski.
Katie loved music. She was a talented singer, who trained her voice in choir and appeared in school musicals. More recently, she had performed at open mics and was working on song writing. Katie was also an avid journal-keeper and picture taker—and liked to draw and paint. Since childhood, she had a knack for choosing great colors in the pictures she created.
An adventurous person with an infectious smile, Katie always tried to be there for her friends and those she cared about. She will be deeply missed by all who will always love her.
She is survived by her son, Julian David Smith, and his father, Ross Windsor. She is also survived by her father, David, her mother, Renee, and her brother, David Smith III, and her grandparents, Walter and Marcella, her Aunt Lauren, Aunt Jackie, Uncle Frank, and cousin Michelle.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 31 from 12 noon - 3:30 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ. A service will follow at 3:30- 4:00 p.m. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, a small donation may be made to Straight and Narrow, 508 Straight Street, Paterson, NJ 07501 in memory of Katie.
Condolences:
Mary PotvinClifford
#22
September 8th, 2019 10:37 pm
Dear Renee, Mike, Julian, and family-
Please accept my condolences on your loss.
I am speechless with grief and sadness on your loss.
Terri Carpenter
#21
September 3rd, 2019 7:44 pm
Dave, Renee and David, we just heard about Katie's passing. We are so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Luz A. Demnitz & Family
#20
September 2nd, 2019 11:10 am
Our hearts are broken. Last time we saw her she waited on us at Friendly’s. Such a beautiful & talented girl full of promise. Have lots of pictures of our daughter Christen & her on plays together & a video of them together on “7 Brides for 7 Brothers.” Wonderful Times & wonderful memories. We remember her fondly & tenderly. She will be sorely missed. Will keep baby Julian, her parents & Family in our Prayers.
Diane & Harold Schank
#19
September 2nd, 2019 8:01 am
Renee, Dave,
We are truly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely
Diane & Hoot
Donna, Phil, Dominic, Marissa & Angelo
#18
August 31st, 2019 9:55 pm
We are so sorry for your loss David, Renee & David! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Liz Szamreta
#17
August 31st, 2019 1:36 pm
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Katie had so much talent. Saw her on stage more than once. Saw her potential when she was in fourth grade. My sympathies to all who loved her.
Lynette and John Scannelli
#16
August 31st, 2019 1:14 pm
Renee and Dave...our hearts are broken for you. We can not imagine the pain you must be feeling of losing your beautiful child and wish we could be there to express our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers while you and your family try to come to a place of peace during this senseless tragedy.
Amanda louk
#15
August 31st, 2019 10:59 am
Such a talented beautiful young woman taken to soon from this horrible disease. I have been with her since day 1 on this journey of sobriety at strait and narrow and followed to epiphany house. I will miss her so much and her and her family will always be in my prayers.I love u so much Katie Smith!! Fly with the angels and watch over all ur loved ones
Cynthia and John Olivieri
#14
August 31st, 2019 10:42 am
Dearest Renee, Dave and David, we are hearbroken f
Our love to all of you. We hold you all in our hearts and willkeep Katie there always.
Theresa Correll
#13
August 30th, 2019 1:31 pm
Dave and family
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter.my heart breaks for you all.
SuEllen and Mike Staggs
#12
August 30th, 2019 12:28 pm
Dear Renee, David, Jackie and Frank,
We are so sorry for your loss. Words cannot explain the deep sense of loss and grief I know you feel right now, especially when it is so unexpected and sudden. Know that our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
SuEllen and Mike
Marian Carroll
#11
August 30th, 2019 11:49 am
Renee, Dave and all of Katie's family and dear ones our most profound condolences
Carrie Lee McClelland
#10
August 30th, 2019 8:30 am
Renee and Dave and dear family...my heart absolutely goes out to you all at this time of incredible loss. Words simply are not adequate here. Take comfort in your support as you are not alone. With great love to you all....Carrie Lee
Jennifer Solorzano
#9
August 30th, 2019 8:30 am
Renee, I am so sorry for your loss. I'll always remember Katie as a little girl playing with Gabriella.
My deepest condolences to you and your whole family. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Annette Malanga
#8
August 30th, 2019 8:25 am
Renee and Family, I am so sadden by your loss, sending you my condolences and prayers.
Kris and Chris Mendolia
#7
August 29th, 2019 9:37 pm
Dave, we are so sorry and heartbroken for your loss , you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Annemarie Latimer
#6
August 29th, 2019 4:03 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Katie's passing. She was such a pleasant, friendly girl who will be missed by many. She came to my office at school once and sang some beautiful opera for me. I will never forget her lovely smile and personality.
Annemarie
Carol Theys
#5
August 29th, 2019 10:19 am
Renee I am so sorry to hear about Katie. I used to love running into her and hearing her stories. I will keep you and Katie’s family in my prayers. Carol Theys
Jannie Pelcher
#4
August 29th, 2019 9:05 am
Dear Renee, Dave and David, words cannot describe how sorry we are for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Toby & Jay Monka
#3
August 28th, 2019 9:00 pm
Katie will be in our hearts
Bellaa Jackson
#2
August 28th, 2019 8:27 pm
I miss u so much word can't decide how sad n hurt I feel right now you were my best bud when we were together in straight n arrow God I miss you so freaking much rent niece beautiful your fight is now over watch over Julian n your mom steer him n the right direction rest easy princess see you soon.
Frank Dunn
#1
August 28th, 2019 5:40 pm
I am so sorry, Renee and Dave for your loss. Her struggle is now over, but your hearts grieve and do those of us who loved Katie so dearly. God, grant the serenity...
Frank Dunn
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