Brandy Lie Katilie passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 19, 2017.

Throughout her twenty-eight years with us, Brandy was simply the best – daughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt and friend. No matter the circumstances, she always had your back and was there when you needed her.

Brandy lived a life of adventure in and on water, mountains, cities and athletic fields. She lived for days on the lake with her family and friends. She took pride in her role as captain of every boat she was on, and really knew how to shred on water skis just like her dad. She could break it down on the dance floor, and easily put away a pizza and Grammy's pierogis. She loved to travel and looked forward to family adventures. She especially enjoyed teaching her cousin Dylan to face his fears and catch ghost crabs on the beach in the Outer Banks.

She had a pure love for North Carolina and Charlotte. She loved Charlotte so much so that she changed apartments almost every year out of the 10 years she lived there just to experience new areas of the city. Brandy cultivated a supportive and devoted group of friends in Charlotte that shared her love of adventure, food and the Carolina Panthers.

Brandy was never afraid to be goofy, and taught us all to embrace our silly sides. She always brightened up a room the minute she walked in, not just because of the silly faces she would make, but because of the compassion and joy she exuded. She was a spontaneous spirit who would color her hair blue or purple on whim.

Brandy had a love of animals, especially her two dogs Monty and Romeo. No matter the cost including a series of rabies shots courtesy of a baby raccoon, Brandy protected and nurtured the animals in her life. She had an innate ability to show genuine love and compassion to everyone around her - two and four legs included.

Brandy was a force on the soccer field, water skis and numerous 5k and half marathon courses. Despite her athletic prowess, she had horrible aim especially when it came to horseshoes, and somehow managed to break bones and sprain ankles doing everyday activities.

Whenever Brandy set her mind to something, Brandy was going to achieve it. She was strong-willed, and exceptionally talented at everything she did including art, cooking and being a friend.

Brandy cherished her family, and was immensely proud of her role as a daughter to John and Karen, sister to Chris and Korrin, and niece and cousin to many. She loved sharing stories with Grandad Sitz, spending Christmas in Massachusetts, eating cheese crackers with Grammy Katilie, and reminding her older cousins that although she was the youngest, she was still the tallest.

We will cherish all the special times we spent with Brandy, and strive to honor her memory everyday. We promise to continue her adventures, set reminders to always keep gas in the boat, and never let a chance to be on the dance floor get away.   We love you Brandy and thank you for giving us twenty-eight wonderful years.

Services will be held at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE Leesburg, VA. Viewing will be on Saturday, June 24 from
11 – 12pm and a service will follow from 12-1pm. A service in Charlotte, NC will follow at a later date.

Brandy spent many hours volunteering at the Men's Shelter in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Men's Shelter of Charlotte at https://msc29029.thankyou4caring.org/DonateNow .

"It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." – Alfred Tennyson