Kristy Lee VanOrden
Kristy L. VanOrden, 39, of Matagorda, TX, formerly of Bradford, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 16, 2016
Born May 30, 1977 in Bradford, she was the daughter of William and Katherine (Hontz) Howe.
She was a 1995 graduate of Bradford Area High School. While in high school, she ran track and cross country, where she was the District 9 Cross Country Champion and held the record for the mile run for many years. She also participated in Concert Choir and several musical theatre performances. She attended the University of Dayton where she also ran track and cross country. At the time of her death, she was attending the University of Houston, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish.
She worked in Santa Fe, NM for a time as a waitress and bartender at the Pink Adobe Restaurant. She moved to Panama and was the assistant manager and then manager at the Tropic Star Lodge in Pinas Bay, Panama.
She most recently lived in Matagorda, TX, and worked at the American Legion in Blessing, TX, while she was furthering her education.
She was an avid runner for most of her adult life, placing first in most of the 5K races she ran and loved fishing.
In addition to her parents of Custer City, Kristy is also survived by her companion, with whom she resided, Quinton Edwards of Matagorda, TX; several aunts and uncles, including, Bea Forsythe of Mt. Jewett, Martha Bojarski of Buffalo, NY, Eric (Felictiy) Forsythe of Sydney, Austrailia, Kevin Forsythe of Pittsburgh and Robert (Nina) Forsythe of Frostberg, MD and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her uncle, Christopher Forsythe; maternal grandfather George Hontz; maternal grandmother and her husband, Mary and Frank Forsythe and paternal grandparents, Tom and Jane Howe.
Friends are invited to attend funeral services at 11 AM,
Friday June 24, 2016 at The Church of The Ascension, 26 Chautauqua Place, with Rev. Stacey Fussell, Rector officiating. A Celebration of Kristy's life will be held after the service in the parish hall. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the McKean County SPCA, Bradford High School Track and Cross Country Booster Club, 15 Laurel Drive, Bradford, PA 16701 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
I knew you when we were kids, and I clearly remember what an easy person you were to talk to and that you had a heart of gold. Peace to your parents and to your love, heaven has a true angel in you.
— Cara Foster
Dear Kristy, Yours was a relatively short life, but you packed quite a lot of living into your 39 years. You got to see and experience some of this big, wide world beyond our little town, and most importantly, you found someone to love and who loved you. I'm sure I missed out by not having the chance to get to know you in this life, but I look forward to it on the other side. Love, your Aunt Denni
— Lisbeth Heckel
Thinking of you today and everyday..... A beautiful soul gone way too soon. You were loved by many and will be missed by all who knew you. Rest in peace sweet Kristy. Love your sister Katie Jeanne
— Katie Jeanne Reffitt
Thinking of you today and everyday..... A beautiful soul gone way too soon. You were loved by many and will be missed by all who knew you. Rest in peace sweet Kristy. Love your sister Katie Jeanne
— Katie Jeanne Reffitt
The loving and Beautiful tributes to Kristy would make any parent proud
— Diana @Mack Van Orden
Kathy, I am so sorry for the loss of Kristy. Such a beautiful soul gone way to soon. God will see you through and in time will help you understand why. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
— JoAnne VanOrden
Katherine, please know how very, very sorry I am for your loss. There are no words adequate enough for a time such as this. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers ??
— Diane Lowry
I am so sorry to hear of Kristy's tragic passing. I will always remember my cousin as a beautiful, happy, smiling girl. My condolences to all those who were touched by her grace.
— Dory Hoover-Scoggan
I'm deeply saddened to hear of Kristy's tragic passing. As a classmate to Kristy and track teammate throughout high school, I will always remember her infectious smile and her competitive drive to win her races. May god bless all of Kristy's family and friends during this difficult time. God bless you Kristy and may you "run" with the Angels.
— Natalie (Nuzzo) Marasco
Our dear Quinton, Words cannot convey how sad we are. You and Kristy were the sweetest couple. Please, please don't hesitate to let us help you.
— Peggy and Rik Stanley, Matagorda
Kathy and Bill, There are no words to express my feelings at a time such as this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Dane Moore
My thoughts are with you Katherine. Thinking of you! Never hesitate to give me a call if you need any thing.
— Cher
Rest in Peace Eternal, Little Gnomer. God bless you, Kathy & Bill. Hang in there, Quinton. May we all walk together again one Day on that Beautiful Shore. Uncle Kevin
— Slim Forsythe
I will always remember your beautiful smile and warmth, Kristy!
— Brooke Jones
We are heartbroken Kristy was so loved by Quinton that even those of us who never met her loved her for how happy he made her. Your loss is deeply felt, and shared, by our family.
Megan,
— Megan McAndrew
Sweet Kristy...thank you for never failing to make my day a little brighter. Thank you for sharing your incredible stories with me, & thank you for helping me get through Spanish. Rest easy beautiful.
— Caitie Jennings
Kathy, I am so sorry. I have been thinking of you so much. My heart is broken for you and your family.
Ann Hultberg
— Ann Hultberg
Kathy and Bill,
So, so sorry about Kristy's passing. Words are just not coming to me to express my condolences. Just know that
I'm thinking of you and praying for comfort and peace.
— Joan Mansour
Kristy was like a beautiful ethereal butterfly who left delicate impressions upon those lucky enough to be blessed by her. She will be sorely missed. God bless you, Bill & Kathy and Quinton.
— Jill Morgan