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33 Lamb St.
South Hadley, Massachusetts
Katherine Nancy Rittner of Northampton, MA passed away on Sunday October 20, 2024 at the age of 41, after losing a long battle with depression. She was born June 16, 1983 in St Louis, MO.
As early as 8th grade, she announced her intention to follow in her mother's footsteps and be a physician. Applying her high intelligence and strong academic dedication, she accomplished her goal. She graduated from Hampshire Regional High School in 2001, attended Colby College in Waterville, ME, graduating with high academic honors in 2005 and was accepted to the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, Worcester, MA which she graduated from in 2010. Her “med-peds” residency at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA was completed in four years and she became board certified in both Pediatrics and Internal Medicine.
While living in a social world would be a lifelong struggle, she thrived in the world of primary care. She loved helping people and her patients very much appreciated the extra interest she showed in them. Over her career she served Native Americans in Arizona, New Mexico and Alaska, as well as Indigenous people in Australia. She also served at a Christian clinic on the coast of Honduras. In the last several years she worked in clinics in Colorado and South Carolina, this latter also involving teaching new residents. Her last position was at the Federal Prison Hospital, Devens, MA
In addition to medicine, travel was one of her passions. She accomplished her goal of doing some type of activity in each of the 50 states. She visited England, continental Europe, Africa, Central America, Australia and India.
Other passions were chocolate, in almost any form, ice cream, ballet and of course being outdoors.
She will be dearly missed by many friends and her parents, Virginia and David Rittner, of South Hadley, MA
A Celebration of Life will be held at College Church, 58 Pomeroy Terrace, Northampton, MA on Saturday, November 23 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers donations, in Kathy’s memory, may be made to the Trustees of Reservations, 200 High St, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110, or National Parks Conservation Association, 777 6th St, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001
22 Entries
Jacqueline Willametz
March 4, 2025
Dave and Ginny
We received your heartbreaking news in your card today.. how unfortunate we lost touch after retiring to Florida So every time I read about her life I feel joy at her accomplishments and her sense of “ Agape Love” for humanity. Then I think of her in my arms on a lovely summer day at Grammies home in Ct. A precious gift to our family. Then just segue to the special moments she shared with us on holidays Every time I thought of this beautiful young woman I pictured her at a Native American Healthcare facility serving the least of us who needed her care and concern and healing. We are belatedly devastated for you both cousins this loss seems so untenable. She left parts of her influence on so many in so many places on this globe. We honor you as you suffer this heartbreak. She was so much brightness to her family and humanity Jacki and Tom Willametz
Julia and Emily
PATRICIA H SCHUMANN
November 24, 2024
Oh, David!! I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter!.. I just read about her on FB. My heart aches for you. My prayers are with you and your wife. God bless, Pat Schumann
Shuby Ghosh
November 23, 2024
I knew Kathy from our time at UMass Med; we were part of a group of med and grad students who enjoyed salsa dancing. I remember Kathy to be a shy and quiet person, but someone who also liked to have fun and who had a great smile. Although our time together was brief, I have fond memories of Kathy and our group hanging out together and our many instances of driving to Boston to enjoy an evening of salsa dancing. My deepest condolences and sympathies to Kathy's parents, family, and many friends who have known her over the years.
Sally Gordon
November 22, 2024
I am so very sorry to learn of Kathy´s passing. My heart goes out to her family at the loss of this beautiful life. My sincere condolences to you.
Cindi Theriault
November 12, 2024
Dr. Ginny,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Kathy did one of her clinical rotations with the pulmonary Dr's that I worked with at Springfield Medical Associates years ago and baked us banana muffins that were amazing! She was always so nice! Condolences to you and your husband during this difficult time. May Kathy be at peace with the angels above.
Cindi Theriault
Chicopee, MA
Renata Cournoyer
November 12, 2024
Oh Dr. Ginny, I’m so sorry for your loss!! It sounds like Kathy did many wonderful things! You & David must have been so proud!!!
My deepest condolences to you both!!
Renata
Lindy
November 10, 2024
Thank you for coming up with and taking me on random adventures. We´ve managed to see some absolutely beautiful areas of Australia. Thank you also for coming along on a few of the family´s vacations one which we still talk about. How my plus one was "kidnapped" by the mother of the bride to drive half of the wedding party to the rehearsal and ended up standing in for best man while there because he was having "fun" with flights. Me thinking the whole time you you were just taking a walk around the lake. So many good times. Kathy you are going to be very much missed. Thank you for being there though the big milestones.
Nancy Barnhart
November 9, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. May your wonderful memories ease the pain in your hearts.
Nancy Barnhart
John Oliver
November 9, 2024
So sorry to hear of her passing
A tragic loss for parents to go through
Stuart Miller
November 8, 2024
Dave and Ginny,
Sue and I are sorry for your loss. May memories of Katherine's be for a blessing. Stuart Miller
Nathalie Malcolm
November 4, 2024
Ginny & David, I wanted to share my heartfelt condolences. Although Kathy and I followed different paths, I hold deep admiration for her as a physician and person. Her patients still speak of her with gratitude, a true testament to her dedication and compassion.
One of my fondest memories with Kathy was attending the Spoleto Festival together. Her laughter-so full of life-was contagious, and it brought so much joy to those moments. During other performances she would make me chuckle when pointing out a rookie ballet dancer´s sickled feet or sub-par technique. We were ballet snobs after all.
I feel fortunate to have shared those experiences with her.
Wishing you peace during this difficult time. Please know that Kathy left a lasting mark on many lives, including mine.
With deepest sympathy,
Nathalie
Nikki Drayton--MUSC (Dantzler Clinic)
November 4, 2024
Dr. Rittner will truly be missed!
My prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of our dear friend.
Christen Balistreri
November 1, 2024
Ginny and Dave we are so sorry to hear about Kathy we know she was loved and loved you both very much!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish u peace and strength through this. We love you Chris and Beth.
Alan
November 1, 2024
I didn´t know her at all but I understand grief as I am sorry about your loss and I felt after reading others comments I want you to know your loss will touch others you have no clue who they are but it still hurts and we´re all human and we should care regardless and I hope this brings you a smile knowing she touched others even after in ways you will never know. God Bless to you and all her friends!
Ben Legler
October 30, 2024
My deepest condolences.
Ben Legler
PS
October 30, 2024
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Kathy. I did not know her well; however, I walked passed her office daily and always said hello. Her accomplishments are remarkable. She will be missed.
DS
October 29, 2024
I currently work at her last place of employment. I saw her in passing, she may have been quiet at times, but such a hard worker! I wish I got to know her better and wish I knew just how much she was struggling so I could have reached out to let her know she was not alone. To her parents- you raised an amazing daughter who left this life way too early. Reading one of her friend´s post now made me chuckle inside about her love of chocolate and walking that mile - I would do the same. Every time I eat chocolate now I will be thinking of her. Thinking of you all during this difficult time, but know your daughter´s presence at our location is missed as well.
Francesca Demgen
October 29, 2024
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Rittner, my heart goes out to you. Kathy was brilliant and caring. She´d walk a mile for a chocolate bar but soup, now that was another story. We met on the Tigers and Temples in India trip, then enjoyed canoeing and comraderie in Minnesota. I will miss our long phone visits and l extend my sympathy on the loss of Kathy in your active life and hope you feel her presence in the stars. Francesca Demgen
Sue Shea & Pete Morin
October 29, 2024
Our deepest sympathy to dear Ginny & Dave. Kathy was a remarkable person. Sue Shea & Pete Morin
Stephen Rivera
October 28, 2024
My heartfelt condolences for your loss, no words can say how sorry I am to learn about Kathy.
Patty and Mike Budri
October 28, 2024
Dear Ginny and Dave,
We are at a loss of words in the loss of Kathy. Please accept our deepest condolences and most fervent of prayers for you all. May Kathy rest in eternal peace.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Nov
23
11:00 a.m.
College Church
58 Pomeroy Terrace, Northampton, MA
Funeral services provided by:
O'Brien Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services - South Hadley33 Lamb St., South Hadley, MA 01075
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