Katelyn S. McCanna Obituary in Warren at WJSmith Funeral Home

In Our Care

Katelyn S. McCanna

10/28/1985 - 12/5/2023

Obituary For Katelyn S. McCanna

Katelyn McCanna Vieira (38) passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Katelyn was born October 28, 1985 in Fall River, MA to parents James and Karen McCanna. Katelyn spent her earliest days on Warren Town Beach, also known as "Katelyn's Beach" and dreaming of growing up and becoming a teacher, a dream which she later fulfilled.

Katelyn's academic career began at St. Luke's School and progressed through LaSalle Academy, Salve Regina University, and finished with a Master's Degree at the University of Las Vegas. After graduating from Salve, Katelyn began teaching kindergarten at Bishop McVinney in Providence and later moved to Las Vegas to continue her teaching career. After spending 3 years in Las Vegas, Katelyn returned to RI in 2011 to be closer to her family and began her tenure with the Bristol Warren Regional School District, working at both Hugh Cole and Colt Andrews Schools during this time. The majority of Katelyn's professional career was spent as a kindergarten teacher and most recently she had returned to Hugh Cole School in Warren as a kindergarten teacher.

To say that Katelyn was an exceptional teacher who knew how to reach and support children is an understatement. She went above and beyond each and every day to make sure that her children were seen and loved. Beyond dedicating her life, she dedicated her heart to the education and development of children.

In November of 2023, Katelyn married Milton Vieira, of the Azores, surrounded by family on Laurel Park Beach. While their time together was cut unexpectedly short, all those who knew Katelyn knew that she had never been happier and that Milton brought her more joy than she had ever known before.

Aside from her loving parents and husband, Katelyn leaves behind her sister and best friend, Jaymie Naclerio of Lakeville, CT, her husband, Craig, and their two children Ayda (4) and Luca (2). The only job that Katelyn loved more than teaching was being Auntie KK to Ayda and Luca. Her love for them was unparalleled.

Katelyn also leaves behind her aunt and Godmother, Cathi Terry and husband Uncle Ed of Sunapee, NH, her Uncle John Calitri and Auntie Kb of Barrington, RI, her cousins, Michael and Erin Terry and their children, Ben and Sierra Terry and their son, Chris Calitri and wife Katie, Matthew Calitri, the Felag Boys, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

All who knew Katelyn felt the joy that she brought into their lives. Her kind heart, generous spirit, and compassion for all were without equal.

Arrangements are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11AM in St. Luke's Church, 108 Washington Rd. Barrington, RI 02806.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a children's book in Katelyn's memory to your local school or library or to The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.

For tributes, please visit www.wjsmithfh.com.

Photos & Video

Photos

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

01/06/2025

Maria & Tony Batista

Karen. Jim, Our thoughts and prays are with you on this very sad time. Deepest sympathy to the entire Family.
12/15/2023

lindsey cobb

My heart is broken after hearing about this, but I am sending all the virtual love and support I can muster to her entire family, both blood and chosen. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with someone as beautifully kind as Katelyn and her family. ❤️‍🩹
12/14/2023

Chip Hawkins

Our deepest sympathy to all of the family, Chip & Susan Hawkins
12/14/2023

jack quattrocchi

Karen, Jim, Jaymie and Family I was shocked to read the notice. I have fond memories of all of your family. I can only offer my condolences at this terrible time. I know that your many fond memories and personal strength will help you. Best Regards, Jack Quattrocchi
12/13/2023

M. Sampson

Our deepest condolences and sympathy for your family. Bob and Peg Sampson
12/11/2023

Pereira Family

Mrs. McCanna was the best teacher! My husband and I have never felt so comfortable leaving my son in Pre-K , such a wonderful teacher she connected with each of her students in a different way. You will be so missed Praying for your Family and Husband during this difficult time 💕
12/11/2023

Nicole Eng

We send our sincerest condolences to the McCanna and Vieira families. We only had the pleasure of meeting Kate this year as she was our daughter's Kindergarten teacher. Parker was very fond of her and so was I; she exuded love for her job and her students and I felt comfort in knowing that my baby was in good hands. We were shocked to hear of her passing and words cannot express how very sorry we our for your loss...we feel like it's our loss a little, as well, because I feel as though "Miss McCanna" truly made a difference in Parker's life. Our deepest sympathies go out to all of her family and friends, we are so sorry for your loss. -The Eng Family
12/10/2023

Tom & Sue Principe
12/09/2023

Beverly Romano

Sincere sympathy and prayers to the entire family. at an extremely difficult time. Peace be with you. Mrs. Stephen (Beverly) Romano
12/09/2023

Nick Smith and Susan Pavlow

Dear Karen and Jim, we offer our deepest condolences. Susan Pavlow and Nick Smith
12/09/2023

Patricia Harvey

Jim and Karen, So sorry to read about Katelyn. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Pat Harvey
12/09/2023

James Kelly

Our deepest condolences go out from the LaSalle Academy Class '67 to James and Karen and the entire family for your loss. May her loving memory bring you comfort and peace.
12/09/2023

- Perry Family

Katelyn taught our twin boys last year in Pre-K. Her love for them was extraordinary and she will be missed deeply by many.
12/09/2023

Gayle Salamon

Sending sincere prayers and condolences to Katelyn's family. Katelyn was such a sweet person and a wonderful teacher. She will be missed. Gayle Salamon
12/09/2023

Farideh Lester

When my daughter Gemma started kindergarten in Katelyn's class I felt so welcome as a parent and my daughter felt so loved as a student. I know she loved my daughter because my daughter absolutely adored her:-) she put all of herself into teaching and because of that we became very close to her. She was funny and sweet and kind and extremely intelligent. My heart is absolutely broken. I am so sorry for her family. Katelyn was a member of my family as well and I'm so grateful that we had just a short period of time with her these last few years knowing her. My daughter's life is better because she of Miss McCanna:-) we will always remember her and she will always have a place in our hearts.
12/09/2023

Lenny Calandra

Karen and Jimmy, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked many times with Katelyn at CA. We'd team up and do seasonal activities with our classes. Katelyn's creativity and artistic flair shone bright with the activities she would plan! During those times, we'd talk, and it was evident that Katelyn's family was everything to her! She spoke often of you both , her sister and mostly of her niece and nephew, smiling all the way. I will miss her smile and her friendship. Again, I am so sorry, and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lenny
12/08/2023

Donna Cruz

Karen, Jimmy, Jaymie, and family I am so sorry for your loss. Katelyn was a wonderful teacher and friend to many. Sending love and hugs ❤️ Love the Cruz family
12/08/2023

Marilyn McFadden

Jim and Karen, There are no words of comfort for the loss of a child. Katelyn touched many young lives in her teaching career. Our deepest condolences. Bob and Marilyn McFadden
12/08/2023

Michelle Katafiasz

Jim, Karen, Jaymie, & Milton - Katelyn changed my daughter's world as her amazing, kindergarten teacher, and wrapped me in her care and love, checking on me every day for weeks when my sister passed away. She gave all she could, to every child, friend and family member. How blessed we were, having her touch our lives! I will forever hold her in my heart. ❤️
12/08/2023

Mary Foley

To Katelyn's husband and family, I was shocked to hear of Kate's sudden passing. I had her as a student in the Education program at Salve Regina University. I was fortunate to follow her through her teaching. Im glad she had such happiness with her husband albeit for such a short time.I pray that your many memories sustain you through this difficult time. RIP Kate🙏❤️
12/08/2023

Rosemary Danforth

Dear Jim, Karen, and the entire McCanna family, Teacher's lives are enriched by the special students, and families that they meet along the way. But students are supposed to remember their former teachers when they pass away...not the other way around. Thinking about Katelyn, and Jamie, as a teacher at the former East Bay Early Childhood Center, over thirty years ago, brings a smile to my face. So sorry for your loss. She will be in my prayers. Rosemary Danforth
12/08/2023

Pat Earley

To the McCanna and Viera family: All my sympathy and condolences at this difficult time.
12/08/2023

Marie Jenkins

I am so sorry for your great loss. Katelyn was beautiful inside and out. I will miss our talks and laughter.
12/08/2023

Cyndi Mello

Karen, Jim, Jaymie and family, Katelyn was a wonderful person who touched so many lives and so many hearts with her kindness, caring and compassion. We had many conversations throughout the years about the love she had for teaching "her kiddos" but more importantly the love she had for all of you, her family. Every bit of my heart goes out to you at this very difficult time. With love, prayers and heartfelt sympathy, Cyndi Mello
12/08/2023

Melissa Velleca

Dear Karen, Jim, Milton, Jaymie & Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this extremely difficult time. I feel fortunate that over the past few years I have been able to work with and see Katelyn on a more regular basis. Katelyn always worked to improve her teaching and students' learning. She was a fierce advocate for her students and truly cared about each and every one of them. What will stand out the most to me with Katelyn is that during our "talking shop" conversations, she always, always talked about her family. Whether it was a recent conversation she had with her mom, a story about Ayda and Luca, visiting with her sister Jaymie, or telling us about her most perfect wedding to her love Milton, Katelyn truly loved her family. When I think of Katelyn, I want to always remember what is most important-prioritizing those you love and who love you back. Rest in peace Katelyn. You will be missed. Melissa Velleca
12/08/2023

Edward Cabral My condolences to the family . May she rest in peace?
12/08/2023

Robin Whalen

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of incredible loss. Katelyn's legacy will remain forever in the hearts of the children she touched.
12/08/2023

Brian & Debbie Fortin
12/08/2023

Valerie

To the McCanna & Viera family, my sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family in this difficult time. Valerie Chaves
12/08/2023

bill grossman

Jim and Karen and family . Please know Katelyn is in our prayers . Bill and Pam Grossman
12/08/2023

Jon Isidro

Sorry for your loss and my condolences to the McCanna family & her husband. I was in disbelief and upset hearing about Katelyn. She was an important person in my life and always will be. Katelyn will always be remembered and never forgotten. I have and will always keep her in my thoughts and prayers!
12/08/2023

Darlene Fletcher

My hearts go out to all of Katelyn's family...she was a joy and my memories of her at Salve and at my home will always be cherished. Rest in peace Katelyn.
12/08/2023

Liz Lombardi

Karen and Jimmy. Jamie Joe the boys and I are sending our deepest condolences to your family. We will hold you in our prayers and thoughts. Katelyn would light up any room she entered. She will be missed. Love the Lombardi's
12/08/2023

Charles and Jane MacDougall

A very sad time for the McCanna family and Milton Viera Katelyns husband. So young and also so very happy with the start of her new life. Our deepest sympathy to all who knew her.
12/08/2023

Edward, Rachel, and Paul Castro

.Dear.James, Karen, Milton, and family: Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. May your many happy memories of her bring you peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
12/07/2023

Timothy S. Blair

My condolences to the family.
12/07/2023

Richard and Nancy Silva

Jim's and Karen, There are no words to comfort when you suffer the loss of a child. Katelyn was a beautiful young later that was taken from you too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Prayers for her husband. Richard and Nancy Silva
12/07/2023

Rhiannon Motta

Ms McCanna was my daughter's Kindergarten teacher two years ago. This news is absolutely heartbreaking! Ms McCanna really helped my daughter through a very difficult year. We will never forget her.
12/07/2023

Steve Calenda

Jim, Karen, and Jaymie. Laura, Alli, Nick, and I are so sorry for your loss. Katelyn will be missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace and she will always be my little McCanna
12/07/2023

Kelsey Faria

Katelyn, you were always the light in the room! So funny, dedicated, passionate, and always a friendly confidant. You will be sorely missed. While you have sadly left us too soon, your memory lives on in the lives you've touched and in the differences you've made through your students. Sending my deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. -Kelsey Faria
12/07/2023

Daria Champlin

To the McCanna and Viera family, i offer you my sincerest condolences and prayers during this heartbreaking time. Daria Champlin
12/07/2023

Heidi Garrity

Katelyn shared her love of children with my family. Babysitting both Courtney & Shaun. Was so happy to share their growth with you and also having you celebrate the holidays with your extended Salve family from Career Developement at Darlene's house. Your smile was infectious.
12/07/2023

Antonia costa

She was an amazing teacher. Truly grateful to had been able to have had her for my son's first teacher. I'll always be grateful for the impact she made and huge advocate she was for my son

Your Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Business Name:
Description of Useful Link / Service:

In Our Care