In my heart you will remain forever young, forever young …
— Rod Stewart
Katrina Marie Pace, eldest daughter of Rick and Sue Guilford, left this world in the early hours of May 18, 2020, eight days shy of her 58th birthday.
Katrina was bigger than life, an empathetic person who shared with other people from the inside out. A tireless protector of her flock, her list of friends is the phone book; she was known as Mama K to many who took shelter beneath her wings. She made the most of the hand she was dealt.
Katrina celebrated 37 years of sobriety this year, and was damned proud of it. She used her experiences to counsel others looking for a better way. Her life was proof that they could find it, too.
Always up for a road trip with friends she called Soul Sisters, she traveled when she could, taking in Rod Stewart and Santana concerts, the Women’s March in Washington, soaking up the sun in FL, going barefoot every chance she got. She was a good bridge player, and loved a good double or better yet, redouble, and believed no game is complete without a little smack talk.
At the top of Katrina’s list of passions were the love of her life, Joe, and their large combined family. They loved each other fiercely and delighted in making their home a haven for those they loved. She called him “my man” and he loved her with all his heart. Joe’s enduring memory of Katrina was their engagement, an event that took place a few short hours before her death. It was captured on camera, thankfully, for Joe and all of us to cherish.
Pancreatic cancer is vicious, and though Katrina fought like a tiger, it proved more than she could overcome. She leaves behind an army of people who are heartbroken over her departure, including fiancé, Joe Martinez, children, Susan (Nate) Reed, Angelica Pace, and James Pace, stepchildren, Brittany Fischer, Blayke Luna, Juan Luna, and Selena Luna, nine grandchildren, who adored her, parents, Rick and Sue, sisters, Jeni Sainz, Pauline Guilford, and Andrea Guilford, and nine nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be announced. Condolences to the family may be made at www.cremationyourway.com.
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