Thank you for this post about Kate Puzey, Mr. Radia. Those of us who knew Kate -- and all who knew her loved her -- are starving for more information. There is no official report, there is no satisfaction, and there is certainly no way to have her back. Can you imagine the grief, the loss to the entire world to learn that this brilliant, beautiful, talented, loving, joyous young woman has been murdered? Her mother spent a week with her in the lovely village of Badjoude last summer and knew that Kate was loved and respected by everyone there in her Peace Corps work and her personal magnetism. WHAT HAPPENED?????

Im one of Mrs. Puzeys (Catherines mother) 7th grade student at Little Mill Middle School, Georgia. All the students Pray for Mrs. Puzeys return at school. Our class were writing pen-pal letters to Catherines students down in Benin. It was really fun and she did a good job teaching them down there. We dont know where Mrs. Puzey is at the moment but we wish for her return,but of course she can take all the time she wants. we all support her 100% and we wish her well.
Love
Teachers Pet,
Emily Georgia

Kate was a gentle, smart, fun-loving wholesome respectful, student, babysitter, friend, daughter, sister extrodinaire...so when a tragedy like this happens....the hole it leaves within family, friends and aquaintances' hearts is gigantic, botomless in fact.We, on Okinawa, were shocked and saddened by this news. Kate and her family were log-time residents here and her parents were educators in the Dept of Defense School System. When word reached the island of this unthinkable tragedy it was broadcast immediately in the middle of the morning to the schools network. Everyone was shaken, thinking of her enduring God knows what, of Lois and Harry, her dedicated folks and her brother, too. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to pour out our grief to the Puzey family. ALso for getting the word out about our wonderful Kate.
There is 24 years of a well-lived life. May we remember the light that she brought. C Shank

I went to school with Kate in Okinawa Japan. I consider myself one of her closest friends. We kind of lost touch when she went to Africa, but I know she was doing WONDERFUL things. Everything she did was filled with love and kindness. I can't believe she's gone. Myself and all her friends are all consumed with grief over the loss. I can't imagine what her family must be feeling right now. I can hardly type this comment. She was VERY loved. Such a loss for the world.

Friends, Thank you for your support. Kate will be buried in Atlanta on Sat. March 21,2009. Anyone is welcome to come. As her dad I can tell you my heart has been ripped out as she was the beaacon of light for our family. She alwaays tried to help people. Please do not demean her life by negative comments. H.L. P

Lois, Harry and David,
We'll remember your family in our prayers during this very sad time.

In Christ's Peace,

Lisa, Rob, Lauren, Ryan and Emma Nalepa

Mr. & Mrs. P,
Our daughter Nia is a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin. Nia met Kate briefly at the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of Peace Corps in Benin. She remembers her as a model volunteer. If we can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call on us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

George & Tina B
Georgia

Harry and Lois,
Joe and I are deeply saddened to learn of Kate's death. We remember her as a bright, sunny child who brought your family so much love. It sounded like Kate was doing wonderful things for humanity and her life was full of promise and hope. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers here in Minnesota.

As the parent of a RPCV in West Africa and Fulbright scholar in Benin, my heart goes out to the parents of this bright, bright young woman. She sounds like she was a wonderful person and a dedicated PCV. We parents always worry about our adventurous, self-confident daughters, but we cannot let that worry diminish their remarkable accomplishments. Kate sounds like she has left quite a mark, even in her 24 short years. What a bittersweet joy to look at the photos on her blog, and how wonderful that her mother was able to spend time with her in Benin. My deepest sympathy to you, Mrs. P.

My daughter, Emily, is also teaching English in a small village in Benin. She and Kate were friends. I can identify with the pride that Kate's family must feel about her contribution to the world. Kate's death is a tragic loss. My heart goes out to her family with deepest sympathy.

My son, Nathaniel, is also a PCV in Benin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Puzey family and to all the PCV's in Benin during this time.

As a former PCV in Benin (1992-1994), I am so saddened to hear of Kate's death. I can only imagine the grief of her family and friends as well as the American and Beninese communities who valued her many gifts. Please know that I am thinking of you all.

Harry & Lois,
My daughter Melissa is a health care volunteer in Benin, who knew Kate and stayed at her house. My wife Amy and I briefly met Kate and Lois when we visited Benin last June. We are all so saddened by your loss. Kate was a wonderful woman who did so much to better the plight of others. She has left an indelible mark on our world and will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Peter K & Amy W

Lois, Harry, David and Grandmother Mary, All we can do is offer our love and support and our prayers for you. May the Lord give you strength to endure this nightmare. Nelson and I are so sorry about Kate. She lived more in 25 years than most do in a longer lifetime. Her blog is so beautiful and will stand as a tribute to a precious young girl.

Harry and Lois - My thought and prayers are with you and your family.

My daughter, Rima, is also teaching in a small village in Benin with the TEFLA group in the Peace Corp. She has had many times of sharing and laughter and comraderie with Kate. She considered her one of her best friends as they traveled together on their vacation days and met in Cotonou with other volunteers. Rima said that she was the happiest person she ever knew ,very caring and loving. The people in her village loved and appreciated her teaching their children. As parents were hold you in our prayers daily. God Bless you,

I'm a Benin RPCV(06-08), and was posted in a village around 30 miles away from Kate. I was fortunate enough to meet her as our time in Benin overlapped. All I remember was an extremely kind and gentle soul who embodied the compassion and fortitude which many Peace Corps volunteers aspire to maintain.
May she rest in Peace, in God's good grace and blessings.
God bless her family, and may he grant you strength in these times.

My heart goes out to Kate's immediate family and her extended Peace Corps family. I hope it is and will be some small comfort to know that she and her work will be long remembered and appreciated.

Joan McKniff
Peace Corps Volunteer
Colombia, 1963 -65

Harry, I recently met you at ACC while I was receiving Chemo. My mother and I really enjoyed our conversations about world travel and hearing about your wonderful family. We just read the shocking article in the newspaper this morning and want you to know how saddened we are to hear about your daughter. Please know that my mother and I are thinking of you and your family and have you in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathy,
Cindy and Shirley

Dear Harry and Lois,

Our hearts are so saddened by the loss of your daughter, Kate. Our son Todd is a PCV in Benin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.