Kadance Elise Fredericksen, 18, of Baker, Florida, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering love. Born on December4, 2006, Kadance’s life, though far too short, was filled with remarkable achievements and an enduring impact on everyone who knew her.
From the very beginning, Kadance’s story was one of courage and resilience. Overcoming early childhood hardships, she found a safe and loving home with her father, Matthew, and adoptive mother, Lisa, whose love helped her blossom into a young woman with a heart for service and a passion for giving back. Growing up as part of a military family, Kadance learned the values of sacrifice, perseverance, and compassion, which became the guiding principles of her life.
Kadance was the quintessential daddy’s girl, with her father wrapped around her little finger. She was her mom’s best friend, the two of them inseparable, sharing everything from late-night talks to, baking, jam making, adventures big and small. Kadance was even a role model to her older sister, Megan, inspiring her with her grace and strength. And to her little brother, Jax, Kadance was his favorite person to annoy. An honor she wore with a smile, knowing how much he adored her.
Kadance’s boundless generosity was most evident through her philanthropic work. She founded Kada’s Promise, an organization that has donated over 15,000 teddy bears to children in crisis world wide, offering them comfort in their darkest moments. Her dedication to community service extended to volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House, local homeless shelters, the PupStop spay and neuter clinic, Backpack Buddies, and countless other initiatives. She contributed over 1,200 hours to serving those in need, earning her a Congressional award for her exceptional volunteerism.
A natural leader, Kadance proudly represented her community as Miss Okaloosa County Teen USA. She embodied grace, strength, and hope, using every platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, including child abuse awareness and animal welfare.
Kadance was also an accomplished student, recently honored with the prestigious Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation Scholarship. She was recently accepted to 9 universities planned to attend Mississippi State University or Auburn University to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, hoping to one day provide affordable care in rural communities and ensure no animal went without love and support.
Beyond her accolades and achievements, Kadance will be remembered for her infectious smile, her generous spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend who cherished her family, adored her pets, and always found beauty and purpose in giving back.
She is survived by her loving parents, Matthew and Lisa Fredericksen; her sister and brother-in-law, Megan and Andrew Kennedy; and her little brother, Jax Fredericksen—all of Baker, Florida. Kadance also leaves behind her first love and devoted boyfriend, Jude Pitzer, along with his family who loved her as their own. Her two closest friends, Bella Gibson and Sharlysse Nelson, and their families, who treated Kadance as part of their own, will forever cherish her memory and the joy she brought into their lives.
Her family is committed to continuing Kadance’s legacy through Kada’s Promise. In lieu of flowers, they kindly request donations be made to Kada’s Promise to continue Kadance’s mission of bringing comfort to children in need, just as Kadance did so beautifully. Contributions can be made at www.kadaspromise.com or via the GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/16a93f03.
Though her time with us was brief, Kadance’s light will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of hardship, kindness and love have the power to transform the world.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Baker High School Multi-Purpose Facility – 1369 14th Street, Baker, Florida 32531.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
You can share memories and offer condolences at http://www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Multi-Purpose Facility at Baker High School
Frank Pachesa
February 20, 2025, 2:58 pm
Please accept my sincere condolences for the passing of Kandance. She did much good for others and accomplished so much in such a short time. Many who have lost loved ones are comforted by the Bible account in John Chapter 11. It describes what happened when Jesus’ good friend Lazarus died. When Jesus arrived at Bethany where Lazurus had been laid, and he saw Lazarus’ sister Mary weeping along with others, he groaned within himself and became troubled and gave way to tears. Then he ordered the stone of the tomb taken away, prayed to his Father in heaven and ordered Lazarus in a loud voice to come out! The man who had been dead came out alive! We can imagine how Lazarus’ sisters and the others that had gathered to comfort the family felt! I do pray that the Fredericksen family and Kandance’s friends can be comforted by this account and can look forward to the happy day when Kadance and millions of others who have died will be resurrected. Be well and please stay strong.
Lulu Smith
February 20, 2025, 6:49 pm
Our prayers go out to Kadance and her friends and family especially her boyfriend and his family as well. She was loved by so many and we will forever share her dream for these young children. Until we see you again, rest well young lady
Todd Roark
February 20, 2025, 6:57 pm
To the Friends and Family of Kadance Fredericksen
There are no words that can fully capture the depth of sorrow felt in the loss of such a bright, compassionate, and selfless soul. Though I never had the honor of meeting Kadance, I wish so deeply that I had. Over the past few days, as I have learned more about her life and the incredible impact she made, I have found myself profoundly moved, inspired, and in awe of the kindness and purpose she carried in her heart.
Her kindness was not just a trait but a mission. She gave freely, loved deeply, and dedicated herself to making the world a better place. Through her service, her advocacy, and her ever-present smile, she left an imprint on every heart she met. The warmth she brought to others will never fade, and the love she poured into this world will continue to ripple outward, inspiring all of us, even those like me, who never had the blessing of knowing her in person – to live with greater generosity and purpose.
As we mourn the loss of Kadance, let us also honor her by carrying forward her legacy. Let us be kind in moments where kindness is needed most. Let us give selflessly, as she did, to those who are hurting. And let us never forget that even the smallest acts of love can change a life.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
– John 1:5
Kadance was that light, and though she is no longer physically with us, her love, her mission, and her beautiful spirit will never be extinguished.
What we have once enjoyed deeply, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
– Helen Keller
May we carry her memory in our hearts always.
With much love and compassion
Todd and Irma Roark
Hedeens
February 20, 2025, 7:01 pm
It was an honor to witness the transformation of you Miss Kadance. We were there during the struggles of your youth & we did what we could to assist in the rescue of your circumstances. Watching you turn your childhood lemons into lemonade with grace was inspiring to us as well as others. You went onto creating an organization & wrote a childrens book with the intention of helping other children of neglect & abuse. Your work here on earth has been completed….it is now our turn to continue donating teddy bears for your cause…….because “every bear counts” just like every child counts. Our love & condolenes to your parents, family & friends. 🩷
Steve Whitehead
February 20, 2025, 7:02 pm
As a father of a daughter and as a graduate of Mississippi State I offer my condolences.I know Baker,Florida when I called on the doctor there so I feel even more of a connection with this tragedy.I am so very sorry for your loss.
graycee Lou
February 20, 2025, 7:51 pm
Kadance was my best friend since the 3rd grade. The moment i met K i knew i wanted to be her friend. Even when i moved all those years ago we stayed in touch i watched every pageant cheering her on from different places. Even in her busy life she still made time for me just a best friend from 3rd grade. But K was the best person you could surround yourself with. She was full of life, and joy, she was so care free of what other thought of her. She never failed to make others happy. I miss her and i’m gonna miss her forever, until i see you again sweet girl 💜🕊️
Linda Sanders
February 20, 2025, 8:07 pm
Todd Roark said it all. What a treasure Kadance was, God blessed her family and the communities she served with this beautiful soul. We thank Him for that and know that today she is sitting at His right hand talking about of all her blessings on this earth. I just learned of Kadance in her passing, but I will remember her for how she lived, not died. The love she had for her family and that precious Mom that said, she is mine, let me have her. My condolences to all that loved this beautiful, loving young lady. Job well done, Kadance!
Matthew 25:21
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord”.
Monroe, Louisiana
Amy and Liana Henderson
February 20, 2025, 8:25 pm
Kadance you are an inspiration to so many. You are a light that will never fade. You will forever be in our memories. It was an honor to work with you and talk with you. I wish we had more memories but you were such an impact to my daughter Liana in her darkest times. You helped her gain her confidence back with just inspiring words and she remembered those going through final court proceedings and being able to face the predator that tried to take her innocence. My last moment giving you a snack bouquet for your amazing work as an emcee at the Miss North Florida 2025 pageant and hugging you goodbye. I never knew it would be the last. We are more then proud sponsors we will help continue your legacy through many teddy bears and love. You may not physically be here but you are in our hearts and memories forever!
Darlyn
February 21, 2025, 1:12 am
So heartbreaking. So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family and friends 🙏
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18.
Jamie
February 21, 2025, 2:16 am
I have no words that can express what the world has lost, I know God has his reasons, but at this moment, I just cannot think of one, God gained and angel and the earth lost one, from an abused little girl to changing the world,my prayers to her parents friends family……the world…we have all lost someone so amazing no words can describe her heart her kindness, all of her accomplishment 🙏 ❤️ God bless and help the hearts of the people who knew her personally,,, I only know her through this tragedy and my heart is broke…Among the angels now