Kathleen "Katie" Ann Held

On Friday, April 11, 2025, Kathleen Ann (Katie) Held passed away under hospice care in Cumming, Georgia, at the age of 63.

Katie was born in Erie, PA on January 6, 1962, a daughter of Dr. Lawrence D. Held, Sr. and Rose Marie (Matthews) Held.

Katie was an adventurous soul with innumerable talents. If she didn't know how to do something, she would take lessons or learn it independently. From her Maryvale preschool acting debut, through her grade school piano recitals and YMCA swim meets, to her high school swimming championships and artwork awards -- throughout her childhood, Katie endeavored to accomplish many things. As a young girl, she enjoyed swimming and teaching swimming, lifeguarding, reading, sewing, babysitting, art, photography, music, laughing hilariously and infectiously, remembering and mimicking all the best jokes.

Katie graduated in 1980 from McDowell High School, Erie, PA, then moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL, to study at the Art Institute, completing her studies in Visual Communication in 1983 at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Her journey of living life to the fullest in many places then began. Katie lived in

Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maine, New Jersey, Bermuda, and Virginia. In 2018, Katie ventured “across the pond” to live and work in England. Whilst in England, she worked tirelessly for a month on a military base in Afghanistan. She delighted in having friends and family visit her, and she traveled wherever she could. She maintained an active, athletic lifestyle.

In 2024, Katie returned to the USA to live again in Georgia, where she was closer to family and friends.

As the third of six children, she loved all the babies and children she met, and was a fiercely devoted and exceedingly generous aunt to her nephews and nieces, and to the extended families and friendships she made. Katie also worked as a nanny during her years preceding her professional vocation in information technology. That I.T. career allowed her to encounter and engage with people all over the world. She retired in 2024 and became a “passionate volunteer and advocate.”Katie’s spirit and determination throughout her life would have made for an amazing biography.

During the last year of Katie’s fascinating and brave life, she met and lived with Jeff Burgess, another information technology professional. Jeff adored Katie and provided the most loving care during her final days, for which Katie’s family is forever grateful.

Katie was predeceased by her parents, her nephew Ryan Cenk, and her best little dog Luna. She is survived by five siblings, who will forever cherish their memories of their best times together: Mary Ellen (Chris) Magoc, Colleen Cenk, Larry Held, Brian Held, and Matt (Barb) Held. Five nephews, five nieces, and three great-nephews meant more to Katie than words can describe.

A celebration of the life and love of Katie will be held at a time and place to be determined. To honor the memory and generosity of Katie, contributions may be made to a charity of choice, or to the The Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation, 2906 Central St. Box 223, Evanston, IL 60201.