Katherine Reeves

Katherine “Katie” (Bruenn) Reeves, 51, of Southington, passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend, she was the grounding center of her family and a source of strength and wisdom to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Katie was born in Meriden, CT on December 11, 1974 to Roger and Renee (Strobel) Bruenn. She grew up in Wallingford, CT, the youngest child of three, with her sister, Cindy, and brother, Matthew. Katie was an adorable, cheerful, self-assured, and courageous young girl who would go on to do amazing things.

Katie graduated from CCSU in 1996 with a BS in Education, SCSU in 2001 with a Masters of Science, and CCSU in 2007 with a 6th Year Professional Diploma of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership. Katie devoted her professional career to education with a combined 19 years in teaching, reading specialist, and principal positions before moving into education consulting for the past four years. Katie had a true love for working with children and made a point to know all of her students' names in her role as a Principal. Throughout her years as a consultant, Katie made a lasting difference by connecting with teachers and leaders. She was known for her thoughtful guidance, genuine relationships & steadfast belief that “kids come first.” Katie was a trusted colleague, mentor and friend whose unwavering commitment, kindness and wisdom will continue to influence educators and schools.

Katie truly loved to travel and explore. She crisscrossed the country multiple times with her husband from Acadia to North Carolina, from Chicago to Arizona. She treasured her family trips to Hawaii and their Alaskan cruise. Katie lived for the outdoors and taking her beloved sidekick Daisy on neighborhood walks or far off adventures to Mt. Rushmore or Highpoint University.

Even through Katie’s battle with health issues she continued to be present and look out for loved ones, friends and her community as a whole. She had a positive impact on all those she interacted with and promoted kindness at every opportunity. Her outlook on life was inspiring to all and will continue to live on through all those who knew her.

Katie is survived by her husband of 27 years, Brian and her daughter, Natalie, and son, William, her parents, Roger and Renee (Strobel) Bruenn of Southington, CT, sister, Cindy (Bruenn) Jones and husband, Chris of Bucksport, ME, brother, Matthew Bruenn of Canonsburg, PA, aunt, Jacqueline (Strobel) Fenelon, seven nieces and nephews, one grand-nephew as well as other extended family. Katie is preceded by her grandparents, Clarence & Loretta “Nunee” (Beckley) Strobel, and John & Dorothy “Grammie” (Catlin) Bruenn, uncle and aunt Gene and Nancy (Bruenn) Waller and uncle, Leonard Fenelon.

Katie didn’t let her cancer battle define her and continuously had a smile on her face while supporting her children and husband at sporting meets and events. To look at Katie wasn’t to know cancer but was to know what a loving and devoted wife and mother she was. During her seven year battle with breast cancer she was always supported by incredible teams from Dr. Wiley Hosmer (Hartford Healthcare) to Dr. Sara Tolaney, Lindsay Shaw, NP and the incredible caring teams of nurses and technicians from Hartford Healthcare to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

A party celebrating Katie’s life is currently being finalized and details will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family is considering a fundraising opportunity to benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute which will be shared in the future and at the celebration of Katie’s life.