The Lord took Katy Reneé McKenzie home to heaven on Saturday, Dec. 20.

A beloved and compassionate sister, aunt, daughter, coach and friend, Katy, 42, is survived by her brother David, sister-in-law Kim, niece Kelsey, father Kenneth, and best friend, Lisa.

Born on April 29, 1966 in Stockton, Katy attended Manteca High  School before playing tennis for Modesto Junior College. Katy went on to play tennis at Fresno State University. After earning a teaching credential at National University, Katy taught in Sanger Unified, then went on to teach and coach at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School in Hanford. After a few successful years in Hanford, Katy moved on to Washington Union High School in Easton, CA. While there, Katy taught physical education, coached tennis and became Activities Director and associate Athletic Director.

Katy obtained her dream job at American River College in Sacramento in 2002. Katy taught various physical education courses and coached women’s tennis, and then became an associate Athletic Director in spring, 2008.

An avid cyclist, Katy loved to ride many road and mountain bike trails, competing in the Prairie City Race Series as well as the Amtrak Century, Lighthouse Marathon, and the Tour de Tahoe. Katy also enjoyed running, having completed the Bizz Johnson half-marathon in September, 2007.   

Many times, Katy expressed to her friends that she was living her dream. Ever the optimist, her glass was always half-full. Katy will be missed by all.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 28, from 1 to 6 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. A Mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, Dec. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 525 E. North St., Manteca. Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Escalon.