Katie Cheshire quietly slipped away from this world and into the next.

We were friends in high school, though that term might be a bit generous. More accurately, I thought she was incredibly cool and I awkwardly hung around her in hopes she would be my friend . She was nothing but kind and funny and observant of people and their emotions.

Katie had a way of seeing right into someone’s soul and making them feel vibrant. Since I’ve known her, she’s lived and breathed art into the spaces and people around her. I’m so glad my kids got to meet her in her “stitched up witch” glory last Halloween. I’m angry that she went through all her surgeries just to EAT, only to die before she fully recovered.

Katie, you were an ally for all people in their sorrows. You taught compassion and kindness and personally rekindled my love for fantasy and Johnny Depp movies.

Damn, I can’t believe you’re gone. The world is less magical without you.