Obituaries
Katherine Olivia Sandler
June 24, 1991 - October 25, 2024


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VISITATION
October 29, 2024 | 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
Saint Charles, IL 60174
With great sadness, we announce the death of our beloved daughter, Katherine Olivia Sandler. Katherine passed away October 25th, 2024 with her parents at her side.
She was born at Flushing Hospital, New York, on June 24th, 1991 and was raised in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. She attended Northern Highlands Regional High School, where she played volleyball and lacrosse and was an honors student. After graduation in 2009, she attended University of Pittsburgh and graduated in three years with degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and a minor in Ukrainian. She worked for the Pitt Panthers, was an RA, and she worked on the school newspaper. She held internships and jobs with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Islanders, and the US Open. In 2015, Katherine attended the University of Chester School of Business in London and received a master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Management and worked in wealth management for UBS. She graduated in 2016. In 2018, she began a second master’s at Columbia University in Manhattan and studied Data Knowledge and Strategies and earned her M.S. in 2020. She worked from 2016 to present at the Associated Press, Manhattan, where she had been responsible for putting together an E-Learning project that earned the AP substantial income. She also attended the White House press conference with the AP.
She was an extensive traveler. While in London, she traveled throughout Europe and much of the U.S.. She was a big foodie and had an Instagram account called PlateByState.
Katherine fought a brave battle with cancer for 18 months before passing. Katherine is survived her mother, Linda, father, Kenneth, and a brother, Thomas.
Katherine will be wholeheartedly missed by all her loving friends and family.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 29th from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles.
A private Shiva will be held on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or a charity focused on cancer research.
For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles, 630-584-0060 or at yursfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Monica from St Charles , IL
"Sending you all love during this difficult time! Katherine was an incredible and beautiful young woman. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know her over the last few years. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
David Strickland from St. Charles Fox Glen Court , IL
"I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family. Neighbor David Strickland and Family"
Irene Biron from Bethesda , MD
"David and I are so saddened of the passing of Katherine. I know she fought with all of her might to get better. Sara and I were so blessed to see her in July. May she rest in peace."
Tom Januszewski from New York, NY
"Linda, We are all completely heartbroken and in shock, even though we knew this was coming. All our thoughts and our love to you and your family. I've been thinking back on months of chatting with Katherine about her various treatments. Just when I thought I knew everything, she would educate me on some cutting-edge medical procedure or abstract human behavior. One foot firmly in reality, and one foot out there above it all. What a wonderful human being. We all enjoyed our time with her. So horrible. She didn’t deserve this. We’re going to miss her beyond words."
Dwayne Desaulniers from New York, NY
"I’m am so deeply sorry for your loss. What a wonderful, adventurous, courageous and beautiful life Katherine lived - with purpose, determination and, clearly, a love for life, growth and experience. Peace to Katherine, her family and friends."
Diana Milazzo from St. Charles , IL
"So heartbreaking to lose this beautiful woman! My heart goes out to all of you during this time. I’m so grateful that I got to know Katherine over the last few years. We will miss her!"
Kate Butler from Plymouth, MA
"I am so sorry for your loss. Katherine was so very young to leave us, and yet has left such an impression and memories. She packed in a lot of living with her sense of adventure and curiosity. Best wishes for peace to you all."
Sheila & Mark MacKenzie from St. Charles, IL
"There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss of such a beautiful and special daughter. Her relationship with you, her parents, was such an incredible one to see. Although we knew her for such a short time, we were blessed, for she was just that kind of person, who was such an inspiration to be around, a gift to this world and all she touched. Our hearts go out to you, you are in our prayers."
Anny Cheng from London, UK , AK
"I am heartbroken by the passing of Katherine. I am so grateful to have known her, Katherine was an incredible human being. Our friendship transcended distance, and I will cherish our time together. My thoughts and love are with you and your family during this difficult time."
James and Lizanne from Bedminster , NJ
"Katherine will live forever in our hearts. Her smile and quiet sophistication were unmatched. Refined, courageous and beautiful we will miss her dearly."
Jake Sisson from Ringoes, NJ
"So, so sorry for your loss. Katherine will be deeply missed - it was a great honor to know her, if even briefly."
Virginia Arrigucci from Newark, NJ
"Katherine was such a lively person and an absolute joy to work with at the AP. Katherine made a real impact in her work due to her creativity and intelligence. She also was so much fun. She once helped organize a Bake Off competition at the office and had the best sense of humor in any circumstance. What a tragic, heartbreaking loss. My deepest condolences to her family."
Barry Bedlan from Frisco , TX
""Katherine was an absolute joy to work with. She had a wonderful sense of humor, tireless determination and a candor that was refreshing. She also was so dang smart and a step ahead. I will miss my exchanges with her both before she started treatments and since then. I will continue to send my prayers of peace to her and your entire family. All of us at AP will miss her dearly, both as a colleague and a friend.""
Melissa Montero from New York, NY
"My deepest condolences to Katherine's parents and family. I had the privilege of sitting near Katherine at the AP office for some time pre-covid. We would chat it up, she was a pleasure to speak to and laugh with. We had the chance to attend the White House Correspondents dinner together and spend time in DC while there. It was great to spend time outside of work and get to know one another. When I say she was a true pleasure to be with her, I mean it. Katherine was very kind and generous. And we will miss her dearly."
Francesco Marconi from New York, NY
"I’m deeply sorry for your loss, and my condolences go out to Katherine’s family. Katherine was a curious and creative spirit who I had the pleasure to work with at AP. She will be greatly missed."
Alena Batty from St. Charles, IL
"I met Katherine couple of years ago at a neighborhood party and later at her parents Christmas party. We ended up talking to each other the entire afternoon. She was so fun and interesting to talk to and that will always be my memory of her. I remember thinking what an amazing young woman she is! I’m sure she will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her"
Paul Stevens from Lenexa, KS
"In today's AP Connecting newsletterhttps://conta.cc/3Utap9H"
Paul Stevens from Lenexa, KS
"From today's Connecting newsletter:Colleagues,Good Tuesday morning on this Oct. 29, 2024, Katherine Sandler, product manager for the AP in New York, died last Friday at the age of 33 after a long battle with cancer. She joined the AP in 2016."What I loved about Katherine was her candor,” said Barry Bedlan, AP’s Global Director of Text and New Markets Products. “She wasn't afraid to tell you if she disagreed and thought an idea was bad. It's why I wanted her on my team. She always wanted the best for AP. She will be greatly missed."Sandler joined his team in November 2021 when she was hired as a product manager overseeing new markets and grant opportunities.This eventually led to her creating the AP Stylebook Workshops. Colleen Newvine, AP Stylebook product manager, said, "It was an idea that had come up many times over the years, and she was part of the latest team to think it had potential. But Katherine made the difference with her commitment to advocating for it and overcoming the challenges that came up."Visitation will be held today from 4-8 pm at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles, Ill., and a private Shiva will be held on Wednesday. Click here for a link to her obituary."
Debra Cohn Bensadoun from New York, NY
"Katherine was the whole package, strong and sweet, beautiful and inquisitive, spunky and sensitive. Jean and I remember having her over and talking about a zillion topics because they all were of interest to her! She was an adored daughter who lived life to the fullest even when it was against the odds. We are heartbroken for you but her spirit will live on. Our deepest condolences."
Tracey Rogers from London, UK, AK
"Such sad news to hear of the loss of Katherine. Though I only had the chance to work with her a few times, her enthusiasm and genuine drive to see progress made a lasting impression. She will be truly missed. My thoughts are with Katherine's family and friends during this difficult time, and I am sending you all my deepest sympathies."
Doug Benc from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
"My heart breaks for all her family and friends! There aren't enough words to describe who she was! Katherine was a wonderful friend and colleague. Her sense of humor and compassion, were my favorite things about her! She will be missed!"
Bailey Riegelhaupt from Stuart , FL
"To my beautiful friend Katherine , you were truly a special young woman full of grace, kindness and love. I thank you for the welcoming friendship you offered me upon meeting. I will cherish all the yoga classes we did together, coffee chats after and hundreds of texts full of your wit. Mr.and Mrs Sandler, you raised a really wonderful daughter that the entire world will miss. My condolences to your entire family. May Katherine rest in the grace of God."
Sonia from San Francisco , CA
"Sending condolences to Katherine’s family.I feel extremely grateful to have crossed paths with Katherine when I moved to New Jersey. She was a genuine friend & I will cherish the memories we made in our travel adventures.I didn’t expect the adventures to end so quickly & I will really miss her."
Dave Ozzello from DelRay Beach, FL
"I only met Katherine one time. My mother, from St. Charles, wanted my little bother to meet Katherine. We met up, just east of Peanut Island and had a wonderful meal and a couple of drinks. Katherine was a great human and will be missed my all. A wonderful woman who had too many years ahead and not enough time to line them."
Cliff Decatrel from Los Angeles, CA
"We are heartbroken. All our thoughts and love are with you and your family. I always enjoyed my chats with Katherine—Her kindness and unique outlook made every conversation meaningful. She was truly remarkable, grounded yet reaching beyond. It’s so unfair that she’s gone, and we’ll miss her deeply."
Gloria Sullivan from Westwood, NJ
"It just doesn't seem real and I am trying to process that she is gone. She was so funny, direct and full of life. I will miss our text and exchanging funny pix and quotes for the day. Even thru it is sad she is no longer with us, I am glad she is no longer in pain. Good Bye for now and will very much miss you."
Rachael Dixon from Stockholm , NY
"My colleague Ryan Berg and I had the pleasure of working with Katherine for a short while at the Associated Press and knew instantly how great she was.What an accomplished and talented person, Katherine seemed to have packed in so many things in such a short life. A genuine inspiration.My love and deepest condolences to Katherine's family and friends.Rachael(A colleague in Sweden)"
Naureen aziz wani from Great falls , VA
"This is truly heartbreaking. Katherine was a wonderful person—kind, fun, and a true gem. During our Columbia years, she always brought a smile to the class, lighting up the room with her warmth and positivity. She had a special way of making everyone feel good. My heartfelt condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory be a source of comfort and strength to all who loved her."
Joe Koskey from Kansas City, MO
"Katherine was fearless! When I first met her during the welcoming session of Columbia's IKNS program, I knew immediately she was special, gifted and the real deal. It was a joy to get to know her and I'm deeply saddened by her suffering and loss. She brightened everyone's day and was truly the Chief of Sparkle!"
Brett Patron from Yorktown , VA
"Katherine was one of my cohort teammates in our Masters Program. From the instant of our meeting, she was compelling. Throughout our journey, she was a fantastic member of the group, with a great sense of humor and the right mix of sarcasm and joy.After we graduated, I continued to stay in touch and always enjoyed our chats on life, work, and whatever was on our minds.We were chatting on the day when things didn't go so well and it was a brief, joyful chat. Honored to know her, blessed to be her friend.Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Fidelium anime, per pmisericordiam Dei, requiescat in pace. Amen.I shall never forget you, Sparkle!"
Tom & Sue Keane from Upper Saddle River, NJ
"The Keane family is so saddened about the loss of Katherine. She was such a sweet girl with a smile that lit up the room. She babysat for our daughter Caroline over the years and her brother Thomas was like family to us (as I'm sure Ken and Linda would same the same about our son Christopher). Our prayers are with the Sandler family."