Kate Angela Follansbee (née Newell) passed peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved family on April 25, 2024 in Epping, New Hampshire after a sudden and brief battle with cancer.

Born in Winona, Minnesota on October 14, 1974 to mother Ann Catherine Hannaher (née Richardson) and father Stephen Francis Newell, Kate was a breach baby (born feet-first) and she used those feet to kick ass her entire life.

Kate and her older brother, Shawn, lived in Winona, Minnesota, a pretty town surrounded by bluffs on the banks of the Mississippi River. As small kids Kate and Shawn enjoyed summers at playgrounds and days spent with extended family on sandbars out on the river. Ice cream, pop and summer barbecue were childhood favorites.

At the age of 5, Kate moved with her mother and brother Shawn (then age 7) from Minnesota to East Boston, Massachusetts to live with their mother's eventual 2nd husband, Thomas John Hannaher. Coming from the small town of Winona, Kate and Shawn were impressed by the big city of Boston, and the kindness and love shown by Mr. Hannaher.

Later, the family of 4 moved to Lynn, Massachusetts where Kate and Shawn went to elementary school. Summer vacations were spent with family back in Winona, Minnesota, where spending time with father Stephen Newell and aunts, uncles and cousins was a favorite pass time.

After Lynn, Kate (then 10 years old) and her family moved to the adjacent town of Swampscott, Massachusetts. Residing at 59 Thomas Rd., just a few blocks from King's Beach, the family eventually welcomed Kate and Shawn's little brother, Joseph Thomas Hannaher. Most of Kate's lifelong friendships were made in Swampscott, where all 3 siblings (Kate, Shawn and Joe) would graduate from Swampscott High School. Kate was always an incredibly bright student and she graduated from SHS in 1992.

Amongst Kate's most enduring friendships are the bonds she shared with Athena S., Emily S.,  Suzie D., Kelley B., and Tara D. Kate was a bright soul who got along with just about everyone so her complete list of friends is quite extensive. Kate was also very close with some of her brother Shawn's pals, including Chris D., and Dave M.

Kate has 5 beautiful children named Hannah, Tynan, Brynn, Kian and Quintin. She also has a wonderful grandson whom she absolutely adored, named Mason, son of eldest daughter Hannah. 

Kate was fond of animals and had many pets over the years, from goldfish, hamsters, and a rabbit as a young girl, to several cats and dogs that she cared for as she grew into adulthood. Most recently she kept chickens too. Kate had LOTS of "kids" to love and nurture.

At the time of her passing, Kate resided in Epping, New Hampshire with her husband of 5 years, Ron Follansbee, her younger sons Kian and Quintin, her daughter Hannah and grandson Mason, and family pets. Kate had a beloved group of friends in Epping and was always the sun around which so many gravitated. She loved to cook, to bake, to drink and socialize, to spend time in the outdoors, to read and watch movies and watch her sons play sports. She did volunteer work and was always willing to give without expecting in return. She laughed, loved, and always lit up a room.

A celebration of Kate's life and everlasting spirit is being planned for 1:00 to 5:00pm on Sunday, May 19th at the American Legion Post 51 in Epping, New Hampshire and will be attended by some of her family and friends. 

A future celebration in remembrance of Kate with extended family and friends will be planned and announced at a yet-to-be-determined date in the future. Kate would definitely welcome celebration after celebration, with music, good food, conversation, laughter and happiness, so let's plan a whole bunch of stuff in the months and years to come!

Thank you for keeping Kate close at heart and for your love and kindness. 

She is with us all, always, beyond forever.

- Shawn Newell (proud brother)

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