Katianne Bordy Tannenwald, 28, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away with her family by her side on September 1, 2021. She was a proud graduate of Blue Valley North and the Blue Valley Access Program.
She was always trying to live up to her big brother’s example. She loved camping and was an active participant in her Scout troop. Katianne competed in multiple sports with Blue Valley Special Olympics. She didn’t care what the sport was; she loved the camaraderie with her friends. She poured herself into these activities like she did everything else – with a contagious smile and boundless positivity. Katianne loved cheering on the Jayhawks, Royals, and Chiefs. She loved taking trips to family events around the country.
Katianne had an enthusiasm for life in all she did. She found joy in the simple pleasures of a walk in the woods on a beautiful fall day, picking apples at a local orchard and pumpkins in a pumpkin patch. She also loved to visit big cities, where she’d ride as many subways and buses as possible. It wasn’t about the destination; it was about the adventure.
Nobody loved Katianne’s knock-knock jokes more than Katianne. She would erupt in fits of laughter before she ever got to the punchline. Her laugh was so infectious, others couldn’t help but join in, even though no one knew what they were laughing at. It didn’t matter. It was about sharing a moment of pure joy.
Katianne turned special needs into special joy. She did so throughout her lifetime with her kind and loving soul and her wonderful smile. She made everyone feel like they were her best friend.
Katianne is survived by her parents Valerie Bordy and Robert Tannenwald, her brother Benjamin, and relatives from coast to coast. To her family’s chagrin, Katianne was always the most well-known and most well-received member of the family. She never knew a stranger and brought joy to all those lucky enough to have known her.
A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, September 10, in Chicago. A celebration of her life will be held locally at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Valley Special Olympics or a charity of your choice.
Katianne will be deeply missed by so many people whose lives she touched. The suddenness of her loss has stunned and saddened us. Her shining example of how to lead a joyful life will live on in our hearts forever.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
