Pottsville City Hall Honors 9-Year-Old Braelynn's Legacy

Community unites in Braelynn's favorite colors of purple and pink to celebrate her life.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Pottsville, Pennsylvania's city hall was adorned in purple and pink on Monday as the community came together to honor the memory of 9-year-old Braelynn Kutsmeda, a beloved local girl who had Down syndrome but whose "heart and kindness and love defined her." Braelynn's grandparents, the mayor, and city council members all wore her favorite colors to show their support for Braelynn and her family.

Why it matters

Braelynn's passing has deeply impacted the Pottsville community, where she was known and loved by almost everyone. The city's decision to come together in her memory, despite political divisions, demonstrates the power of community to unite in times of loss and celebrate a life that brought so much joy.

The details

Pottsville's city council meeting on Monday saw attendees dressed in pink and purple, Braelynn's favorite colors, to honor the 9-year-old girl who recently passed away after developing an illness following heart surgery. Braelynn's grandparents, Linda and Bob Stock, shared fond memories of her bossy but loving personality, while Mayor Tom Smith and Councilmember Andy Wollyung spoke of the community's deep affection for Braelynn and the importance of coming together across political lines to support her family.

  • Braelynn Kutsmeda passed away last month after developing an illness following heart surgery.
  • Pottsville's city council meeting honoring Braelynn was held on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Braelynn Kutsmeda

A 9-year-old girl from Pottsville, Pennsylvania who had Down syndrome and was beloved by the entire community for her kind and loving spirit.

Linda Stock

Braelynn's grandmother, who spoke about how Braelynn's heart and kindness defined her, not her Down syndrome.

Bob Stock

Braelynn's grandfather, who recalled how she would boss people around, which was part of her endearing personality.

Tom Smith

The mayor of Pottsville, who described Braelynn as a "beautiful, beautiful child who brought so much to the community and brought everybody together."

Andy Wollyung

A Pottsville city councilmember who noted that despite political divisions, the council came together "100%" to show support for Braelynn and her family.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone respected her; she had Down syndrome, but Down syndrome did not define her. her heart and her kindness and her love defined her.”

— Linda Stock, Braelynn's grandmother

“She was the boss, she took control of every situation and the people that were at the funeral, if they didn't get to have her boss them around then they were missing the opportunity.”

— Bob Stock, Braelynn's grandfather

“She was just a beautiful, beautiful child who brought so much to the community and brought everybody together, everybody that knew her loved her.”

— Tom Smith, Pottsville Mayor

“Even though our council is divided amongst republicans and democrats, we really came together 100% for this young lady to show that support of how much she brought to our community.”

— Andy Wollyung, Pottsville City Councilmember

The takeaway

Braelynn's passing has deeply impacted the Pottsville community, but the city's decision to come together in her memory, despite political divisions, demonstrates the power of community to unite in times of loss and celebrate a life that brought so much joy and love to those around her.