During catastrophic flooding across Central Texas, incoming Longhorn Katherine Ferruzzo, 19, died on July 4 while working as a counselor for Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas.
“Katherine was an absolute force to be reckoned with — a firecracker who was filled with energy and spunk,” her family wrote in an obituary. “She had an infectious personality, and she lit up every room she walked into.”
With a deep sense of compassion for students with disabilities and learning differences, Katherine was set to begin her first year at UT as a special education major. Being raised a “die-hard Longhorn,” she was excited to
experience a set of vibrant family traditions: Saturday night football games, tailgates with her brother Vincent and the sorority recruitment process.
“Nobody wanted to be a Longhorn more than she did,” said Jack Ferruzzo, Katherine’s oldest brother and a UT alumnus.
In honor of Katherine, the family established the
Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation
, focused on helping children, especially those with disabilities, to thrive. Donations to the foundation will support a “range of causes” in her honor.
Committed to causes benefiting the community with disabilities, Katherine was heavily involved in her school and community. She graduated from Memorial High School in Houston, where she served as chapter president of the Texas Association of Future Educators and a four-year member of the student council. Katherine also worked with children with autism for two years at a local elementary school in Houston.
Katherine’s volunteer work extended to organizations such as the Center for Pursuit, the Miracle League, Gigi’s Playhouse, the National Charity League, the Briarwood and Parish Schools, along with Infinite Elevations. She was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award three years in a row for her contributions.
This summer, Katherine was eager to give back to her “happy place,” Camp Mystic, as a first-time counselor for the Bubble Inn cabin. She is remembered for her love of entertaining people and celebrating all occasions.
Katherine is survived by her parents, Andrea and John Ferruzzo, along with her brothers Jack and Vincent Ferruzzo.
“Katherine profoundly touched the lives of so many: the special needs students she taught, her friends, teachers, and classmates; and the campers, counselors, staff, and owners of Camp Mystic,” her family wrote in the obituary. “But mostly, she touched the lives of her immediate family. Her fierce and loving spirit will forever live on in them.”
