RENEE PATRICE ART Following a courageous four-year struggle with a brain tumor, Renee Art, 26, completed her brief but remarkable life on Nov. 1, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Renee Patrice Art was born Dec. 12, 1990, in Kansas City, MO, to Linda and Michael Art. She is survived by her parents, her sister, Kristyn, and a large extended family. True to her name (which means "born anew") Renee brought vitality to everything she did. She had a passion for soccer, played on recreational teams and in multiple sports at Center High School, where she distinguished herself in the National Honor Society and Marching Band. During two summers she did mission work in Anapra, Mexico, near Juarez, on trips sponsored through St. James Catholic Church. Renee attended Central College in Pella, IA, graduating in 2013 with a B.A. in Education, specializing in middle school mathematics. She focused her teaching skills on urban students at Hogan Preparatory Middle School and Brookside Charter. She lived and worked in the Holy Family Catholic Worker community in Midtown, preparing meals, playing games and spending time with the guests. Renee loved to travel, spent a semester abroad in Granada, Spain, and visited many countries around the world with her family. Renee was a loving friend who attracted a large community of others who cared deeply about the world and about using their gifts to help others. Renee was able to fulfill her wish to travel to New York City to attend The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon show and meet the host. A celebration of her life will take place at St. James Catholic Church, 3901 Harrison, KCMO, on Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Center High School Scholarship in her name or the "Be Head Strong" brain tumor survivor group. Renee encouraged others to pursue their dreams. She lit up a room with her smile and glowing personality. She is now watching over us. Her family, friends and faith community rejoice in her life here and in her safe passage to the life to come on November 1, a day devoted to All Saints.

Published in Kansas City Star on Nov. 5, 2017