Caty Gittner Remembered: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Cherished Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit Team Member, Loving Mother, and Friend Whose Kindness, Joy, and Compassion Left an Indelible Mark on All Who Knew Her

METRO DETROIT, MI – With heavy hearts and immeasurable sorrow, the Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit family and the broader community mourn the untimely and deeply tragic loss of Caty Gittner, a beloved team member, radiant friend, and devoted mother, whose life embodied grace, compassion, and joy. Her sudden passing has left a void that words can scarcely capture, echoing across the hearts of colleagues, clients, friends, and family who were blessed to know her.

Caty was more than a colleague—she was a force of light. Her warmth, positivity, and unwavering ability to uplift others made her a cornerstone of the Sit Means Sit community and a cherished presence in the lives of countless individuals, both two- and four-legged. As the news of her death spread, an outpouring of grief and remembrance emerged, not only from those who worked beside her but also from the many clients, dog owners, and community members who had felt her guidance and her kindness.

A Spirit That Lit Up Every Room

Described by friends and coworkers as “a beacon of kindness,” Caty had the rare ability to make anyone feel seen, heard, and valued. Her presence was more than simply welcome—it was healing. Whether calming the nerves of a first-time dog owner, helping a struggling colleague push through a tough day, or sharing a heartfelt laugh with friends, Caty carried herself with humility and radiant positivity. Her empathy was deep and sincere, never performative. She did not merely say kind things—she lived kindness in action.

“She just had a way of being,” said one coworker through tears. “She could walk into a room and instantly make it feel lighter. People opened up around her because she made them feel safe and appreciated. She was joy in human form.”

Her co-workers at Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit say she was the heartbeat of their team—a constant source of emotional support, encouragement, and humor. She had a unique gift for reading people and animals alike, instinctively knowing how to connect with both. Whether it was an anxious dog who needed gentle reassurance or a colleague feeling overwhelmed, Caty always seemed to have the right words, the right energy, and the right heart.

A Passion for People and Animals Alike

Caty’s professional life revolved around more than just dog training. It was about connection, transformation, and service. Her work at Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit wasn’t merely a job; it was a mission—one she fulfilled with devotion, enthusiasm, and skill. Clients often spoke of how she helped them become not only better handlers but also more compassionate and confident individuals.

“She changed the way I saw my dog—and myself,” wrote one dog owner in a tribute post. “Her encouragement gave me the confidence I never thought I’d find. She wasn’t just training dogs—she was helping people believe in themselves.”

Her ability to understand the emotional dynamics between dogs and their owners was something extraordinary. She didn’t just instruct—she inspired. She was known to stay after sessions to answer questions, offer encouragement, or simply chat with a client who was having a tough day. Her passion was real, and it was deeply felt by those she served.

A Loving Mother and Devoted Friend

Outside of her professional life, Caty Gittner was, above all, a mother—a role she cherished and prioritized. She often spoke of her children with pride and tenderness, lighting up with every mention of their names. Her love for her family was the foundation of everything she did. Those who knew her personally say that motherhood brought out the best in Caty—her patience, creativity, humor, and fierce protective love.

“Her kids were her world,” said a close friend. “She worked hard, loved hard, and everything she did was for them. Her love for them was pure and endless.”

Her friends describe her as someone who could be counted on in every season of life—from joyful celebrations to moments of deep sorrow. She had a way of listening that made people feel not only heard but understood. She wasn’t afraid of vulnerability, and she gave others permission to be real, too.

Caty was the kind of friend who would drop off a care package just because, show up with coffee on a hard day, or send a voice memo of encouragement when someone needed to hear a kind word. She gave so much of herself to others—never seeking recognition, never asking for anything in return.

An Unimaginable Loss, A Community in Mourning

The loss of Caty Gittner is nothing short of devastating for those who knew and loved her. The staff at Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit released a public statement, expressing their collective grief:

“We are heartbroken beyond words. Caty was not just a part of our team—she was our team in so many ways. Her warmth, humor, and spirit made this place a family. Her absence is deeply, painfully felt. We are holding her family, especially her children, in our hearts as we mourn the loss of one of the best human beings we’ve ever known.”

Community members have created memorial spaces both online and at the Sit Means Sit facility. Flowers, handwritten notes, and photographs have begun to accumulate—testaments to the many lives she impacted. A candlelight vigil is being planned to honor her memory, with hundreds expected to attend.

In response to community demand, a memorial fund has been established in Caty’s honor to support her children and help cover funeral and family support costs. Within days, the fund had already received dozens of contributions, along with heartfelt messages and shared memories that underscore just how deeply Caty was loved.

A Life That Will Never Be Forgotten

Though Caty Gittner’s life was tragically cut short, the impact of her time on Earth will be felt for generations. She lived with purpose, loved with her whole heart, and brought immeasurable light to a world often in need of it.

She showed people that kindness is powerful. That vulnerability is strength. That even small gestures—an encouraging word, a warm smile, a shared laugh—can ripple out and create something beautiful. That to live well is to love deeply, serve others, and show up with your whole heart.

In her memory, those she left behind are vowing to continue that legacy.

“We will honor Caty by living like she did,” said one friend. “By being kind. By loving well. By not holding back joy or compassion. That’s how she lived—and that’s how she’ll be remembered.”

Final Words

In every community, there are those rare individuals who serve as the thread binding people together. Who show up, love deeply, and live fully. Caty Gittner was one of those rare souls. Her death is a heartbreaking loss. But her life—full of love, strength, and joy—was a gift to all who knew her.

As the Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit community, along with Caty’s family and friends, continues to grieve this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of her most powerful legacy: that kindness matters, that love endures, and that even in the face of tragedy, the light one person brings into the world can never truly be extinguished.

In honor of Caty Gittner, memorial donations can be made to [memorial fund details]. A public vigil and celebration of life will be announced in the coming days.