Katerina Lynn Espada, 37 of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Geneva, IL, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2025, due to complications during childbirth. She was born December 11, 1987, in Geneva, IL, to Rick and Janice (Snowdon) French. After high school, Katy received degrees in Youth Ministry and Theology, and was currently working towards her Doctorate Degree in Theology. She was a dedicated member of V1 Church in Portage, where she was involved in the Kids Ministry and Young Adults Ministry. She enjoyed writing, journaling, photography, and singing. Katy especially looked forward to spending quality time at the beach, where she felt closer to the Lord. Katy’s family and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ were held in the utmost importance to her. Katy will be remembered for her generosity, selflessness, and commitment. The love and devotion Katy showed to her family will be remembered and missed every day.
On June 26, 2021, at the Life Church in St. Charles, IL, Katy married Isaiah Espada, who survives, along with their children: Rebekah Faith Espada and Malachi Isaac Espada; her mother, Janice French of Colby, WI; father, Rick French of West Chicago, IL; siblings: Diana (Josh) Joren, Tasha (Blaine) Harbourne, and John French; grandmother, Shirley French; nieces and nephews: Nathanael, Jacob, Hannah, Elizabeth, Toby, and Zechariah; aunts and uncles: Kathy McEwen, Debbie Baker, David (Susan) Snowdon, and Priscilla Rondy; and in-laws, Kathy Roberts, Edgar Espada, Donna, Louie, Sheila, Sherry, Nathan, Eric, and Edgar. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Ernest French, and Bernard and Julia Snowdon.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN, with a funeral service beginning at 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will begin Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN. A memorial gathering and celebration of life will be held on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at V1 Church, 6322 Portage Ave., Portage, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family-Click here to donate.
GUESTBOOK
I remember fondly the time Katerina spent in Mobile AL at The Cross Church. I even had the pleasure of going on a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico with Katerina along with our church’s school of ministry. She always maintained a genuine caring for the less fortunate and had a sincere faith, an encouraging presence, and a desire to grow in Christ. We all were sorely disheartened and saddened to hear of her tragic passing. She was loved and will be missed by her family and friends, including those down here in Mobile. We are sending our deepest sympathies and condolences along with prayers for all her family. -Psalm 34:18. -Pastor Jacob Maloney - The Cross Church of Mobile
We were heartbroken to hear about loss of Katerina, Please accept our deepest condolences. I know there are no words that can truly ease the pain, but I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and the memories you hold close. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Psalm 34:18 With sympathy, -Linsia & CJ Eversley V1 Brooklyn
Janice and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this tragic time. In Christ’s love, -Karen & Rich Palchick, Alyssa Smit Kimberly Carter
Dear Katie, How fortunate for me that you came to IK to work and we reconnected! I was so proud of you for overcoming all you did when you were a teen and I always love it when my former students turn out to be spectacular adults. To me, you were the gold standard for that transformation. I loved seeing your growth in your quest Jesus and all that He brings to life. I know you are dancing and singing with Him now. You will never be forgotten for the lessons you taught me - yes, the teacher became the student and for that I am grateful. -Shari Krause
I’m shocked by the passing of this warrior in Christ. I met her on the battlefield for the Lord!- winning souls for Jesus. I know she’s in the presence of the Lord. May the Holy Spirit comfort the family and bring peace that surpasses all understanding. I know God is with the broken hearted and will never leave you. May God continue to surround you!! Praying for you all, -Jojo Bioh
We were deeply saddened to hear of Katerina’s passing. We remember her from our time in Carol Stream, IL, and are truly sorry for this tremendous loss. Katerina was a shining example of faithfulness, grace, and devotion. Her heart for the Lord was unmistakable, and her love for others radiated through everything she did. Michele and I are holding your family in our prayers during this difficult season, asking God to surround each of you with His peace, comfort, and presence. With love and hugs, -Michele and Pastor Charlie Blanck
Katerina was a dear lady. Her heart for thr Lord always amazed me. I first met her on our mission trip to Haiti. She loved the children and all the people of Haiti. Her love for Christ shines through her at all times. One day we were about to get out of the van, to go into a village. She was asked to pray. I remember her praying and thinking that she was anointed. Her prayer was so beautiful and we could just feel the spirit of the Lord on that bus. She was a gift to all her knew her. My daughter Emily also loved her dearly. Katrina was a person who was easy to love. She was always making a difference in our lives. We celebrate that she is with the Lord, but mourn for her loss here on earth. One day though, we will all be with her again. We pray for her family daily, and we are sending our love to you. May God give you peace. -Melanie Wylie
I am so, so sorry for your family's great loss. I wish I had known you. I read your obituary and I know you we're a great lady in Christ, I also read other condolences 🙏 and sounds like you were always on the Lord's battle field for Christ. You are a Soldier for Christ . Rest in peace. God be with the family. Sincerely sister in Christ, -Lolita Tor
To Isaiah and family, I did not know your wife personally, but you are our V1 family, and I am so sorry for your loss. The resurrection is coming, and I pray the Lord be with you in times of trouble, may He cause supernatural peace, may you grieve with Him, and may her memory be a blessing. I pray that He continues to wrap you in His loving arms, and you would lean into Him every second of the day, and that in Him your family would receive all that they will ever need. We are sending you love from across the country. - Bob & Sarah, V1 NH
