Katherine Amato

Katherine Rose Amato, eleven years old, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida passed away on November 30, 2016 in her home, surrounded by her family.  Visitation will be held at Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home on Friday December 9, 2016 from 3:00-7:00pm.  The Celebration of Kate’s Love and Light will be held at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach on Saturday December 10, 2016 from 5:00-7:00pm.  The Funeral Mass and Burial will be held in Wethersfield, CT on Saturday December 17, 2016.  Kate is survived by her parents, Jeff and Lisa, her sister Caroline, her brother Jack, and her grandparents, James and Leah Amato and Thomas and June Selvig. In lieu of flowers and cards, donations can be made to Kate Amato’s Memorial Fund (www.GiveForward.com/Amato-memorial).

Kate was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Jeff and Lisa Amato on December 10, 2004.  She was a student at Seabreeze Elementary School and Fletcher Middle School.  She was a Girl Scout, a kind and loyal friend, an animal lover, a gifted singer and a pianist.  She was loved and adored by her family, friends, and teachers for her warrior spirit, courage, compassion, and beauty.  She was a ray of sunshine and through her illness she inspired thousands of people with her grace, strength, and bright beautiful smile.  The Family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses who have taken such loving care of Kate and to our community for their abundant love and kindness for over two years.  As we all know and love Kate, we are certain she is concerned about our grief over her passing.  She wants us to celebrate her life with love and joy; she wants us to be happy.  She would say, “Always remember to smile.”  When you do, her light will shine on.