Katherine Y. Durand

LOWELL - Katherine Y. "Katie" Durand, 28, a Christian Hill resident, passed away peacefully, with her loving family by her side, on Friday, February 2, following a courageous battle with a rare form of sarcoma.
Born in Lowell on June 24, 1989, she was the beloved daughter of Ronald V. and Michelle F. (Frechette) Durand of Lowell.
As a youth, Katie was involved with the Girl Scouts at St. Louis Parish for over 10 years.
Katie was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 2007, where she was the president of student council and coxswain of the crew team. She matriculated to Boston University and received a bachelor of science degree in environmental science. She was employed by the town of Billerica as conservation land use assistant and was loved and will be greatly missed by her colleagues in the conservation department.
She remained active with crew and was a volunteer at the Head of the Charles Races and for the last few years had been stationed at the starting line. She also volunteered for over 10 years with We Can Row, a breast cancer survivor group.
She received her sacraments at the former St. Louis de France Church and Ste. Marguerite D'Youville Parish and had also volunteered at the St. Louis Day Care program.
An avid foodie, Katie had her own blog, Cooking Isn't Procrastinating.
Along with her friends she was a member of "The Book Club".
Katie's family would like to thank the staff of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, especially those on the 6th floor, for the compassion and kindness shown to her while under their care.
In addition to her parents she leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Laura S. and Eric Walker of Nashua, NH, and their children, Lilly and Harrison Walker; also many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends throughout the country.
SERVICES - Relatives and friends are invited to Katie's Memorial Life Celebration on Friday, from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or to High Point Hospice, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830.