Katherine J. "Katie" Gillen

Saratoga Springs, NY – Katherine J. “Katie” Gillen, 49, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital.

Katie was born June 20, 1976, in Summit, NJ.  She was a quadriplegic and, despite the many challenges she faced, she never let them keep her from loving everyone she met.

She attended special programs in Albany, Clifton Park, and Saratoga, where she made many friends. Katie lived at home until the age of fifteen, after which she resided in group homes in Saratoga and Clifton Park. With Katie in our lives, we were always grateful for the warmth and generosity of spirit shown by the aides, therapists, and medical professionals who cared for her. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them for the compassion they gave to Katie.

Katie is survived by her mother, Ruth Gillen of Cambridge; her sister, Kristin, who was the light of her life; and other loving family members. She was predeceased by her father, John Gillen, in 2021. Katie always cherished his sense of humor and his endless teasing and joking.

Katie’s funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Church, 17 South Park St., Cambridge, NY.  

Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Katie’s memory may be made to Saratoga Bridges, 16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd., Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

To express sympathy or share a memory of Katie, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home.

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