Katie Marie West

Katie Marie West, age 43, of Beaver Dams, NY, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Born on November 22, 1981, in Corning, NY, Katie was the daughter of Jody J. and Dawn M. (Harrison) West. She graduated from West High School and went on to work at Corning Inc., where she was a dedicated employee, formed lasting friendships, and contributed to her community in countless ways.

A loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Katie’s life was defined by her boundless generosity, adventurous spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She was the proud mother of her son, Ryder Mcilwain, who was the light of her life, along with his father, Jeremy Mcilwain. Katie’s love for Ryder was immeasurable, and she cherished every moment with him.

Katie’s family meant the world to her. She is survived by her parents, Jody and Dawn; her sisters, Karlie (Garry) Sheetz and Kassie West; her nieces Zoey Winfield, Sayge Nybeck and Ayra Randall. She also leaves behind her beloved aunts and their families: Debra (Michael) Falk and children Jennifer and Jessie of Ithaca, NY; Darlene (Loren) Harrison-Vancuren and their children Joshua (Autumn) and Jacob (Ashley) of Corning, NY; Denise Harrison of Beaver Dams and her daughter Sarah Woodruff; Shirley (Donnie) Stafford of Painted Post, NY; and Lourie Seeley of Painted Post and her daughters Tina (Bob) Leonard and Trish Butler and her cousins TJ West and Kyle West.

Katie was deeply loved by her maternal grandmother, Beverly Harrison, and her paternal grandmother, Deanne (Jerome) Rarrick. The bond she shared with her family will never be forgotten.

Katie’s heart was as big as her many passions. She was an avid outdoorswoman who loved kayaking,  camping and riding motorcycles through the countryside. A marathon runner, she continually pushed herself to new limits and enjoyed sharing this passion with her neighbors, especially Amber Clark and her family, with whom she shared many cherished moments playing cards. Katie also enjoyed wine tasting, reading, and volunteering—always one of the first to offer her time and resources to charity events, races, and animal shelters.

Katie’s spirit was a force of nature—always generous, always kind. She touched countless lives, not only through her work but also through her deep commitment to helping others, whether through fundraising, community benefits, or simply lending an ear. Her love for animals was boundless, and she dedicated much of her time to local shelters, where her compassion made a lasting impact.

Katie was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Delos Harrison, and her paternal grandparents, John and Patricia West and uncle Thomas West.

In addition to her son, Ryder, and her extended family, Katie leaves behind her beloved dogs, Mya and Tank, as well as her rabbit, who she adored.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Local 1000 Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Corning, NY. In honor of Katie’s memory, donations to local animal shelters or charitable marathons would be greatly appreciated, as these were causes closest to her heart.

Katie’s contagious smile, boundless energy, and love for life will be deeply missed. Her legacy of generosity, adventure, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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