Kaitlin Elizabeth MahrKaitlin Elizabeth Mahr, 20, lost her battle with depression and died of an accidental overdose on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.
Kaitlin was born to Debra R. (Westerfield) and Todd A. Mahr on March 6, 1987. She was a wonderful, energetic young lady who loved school and learning, and had a passion for dance. She graduated from Onalaska (Wis.) High School in May 2005 as valedictorian. She was a junior with honors at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., and was a member of the Melee Dance Troupe, V-Day and LARY Buddy programs. “Kaitlin was a good friend, an excellent student and talented dancer. The Lawrence community is greatly saddened by her death and our prayers and thoughts of deepest sympathy go out to Kaitlin’s family and friends,” said Lawrence University President Jill Beck.
She is survived by her parents; brother, Samuel W. Mahr; grandparents, Don and Jeneane Mahr of La Crosse, and Norma Jean and Norman (Dutch) Baker. She has four fantastic uncles, Tom, Tim, Trent and Troy Mahr, their spouses and nine cousins; her special friend, Katherine Blakely; and Kaitlin’s puppy, Horatio. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Richard A. Westerfield.
Memorial donations may be made to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse Community Foundation or the American Lung Association of Wisconsin.