A Heartfelt Tribute to Caty Gittner — A Shining Light Gone Too Soon
Some days can be cruel, and yesterday was one of them. The world lost a rare and radiant light — someone who embodied the goodness we all aspire to carry within ourselves. Yesterday, we lost Caty.
Caty wasn’t just a neighbor. She wasn’t just a friend. She was the soul of a community — a quiet force of compassion, warmth, and unwavering dedication to others. She led by example in every way that mattered: with her heart, her actions, and her presence. She gave without needing to be asked, listened without needing to respond, and loved without hesitation.
In moments of crisis or grief, when others were unsure of what to do or say, Caty showed up — often with her loyal therapy dog Lincoln by her side. She understood the power of presence and kindness, and she offered both with incredible grace. Whether it was comforting a grieving neighbor, supporting a family through tragedy, or simply lending a hand on a chaotic day, Caty was there. Always.
She was the person you called when you needed something — not because she had extra time, but because she made time. Even when she had a full plate, she found a way to help. That was who Caty was. She didn’t just do good — she was good.
Caty was the first friend I made in the neighborhood. She helped me find my footing as a parent when I had more questions than answers. She shared her knowledge, her experience, and her patience. She showed up when it mattered most. She did the research, sent the links, answered the frantic late-night texts, and stood beside me — not just in parenting, but in life. She made me feel like I wasn’t alone. And I know I’m not the only one who felt that way.
It’s impossible to put into words what it means to lose someone like Caty. People like her are rare — the kind of people whose impact stretches far beyond what we can see or measure. Her energy, her ambition, her strength, her heart, her love and compassion — those were her gifts to all of us. And though she’s no longer physically here, those gifts are embedded in the fabric of this community forever.
To the Gittner family, and to all the people whose lives Caty touched — I am so deeply sorry. There are no words that can make this pain go away, no explanation that can make this loss feel right or fair. This is a heartbreak that will linger, because Caty was the kind of person who left an imprint on your soul.
My heart is shattered knowing I won’t see her walk out her front door with Lincoln and Yeti ever again, ready to face the day with purpose and positivity. I’ll never stop hoping, just for a second, that this was all a bad dream — that she’ll return to us with that calm strength that carried us all so many times.
Caty, thank you. For your love. For your wisdom. For your friendship. For your goodness. We didn’t deserve to lose you — but we are so incredibly lucky to have had you.
In her honor, the community has come together to support the Gittner family during this heartbreaking time. If you feel moved to help or contribute, please visit the official GoFundMe page set up for her family here: