My condolences to you, KC! She was a beauty!
I'm with Kiln concerning the lifespan of our companion animals. Dogs and cats live just long enough for us to form strong bonds with them, it makes their inevitable passing that much harder. I lost my beloved Siberian two years ago to oral cancer; I still miss her every day. My remaining cat, Trinity (aka Demon Spawn of Satan

) will be ten this July, and I hate to think that our time together is more than half over. Already I am seeing signs of his personality mellowing.
Don't get me started on horses. Losing my mare after 18 years was difficult - she was my first horse and will always have a special place in my heart. I'll never forget her trademark "Who moi?"

look whenever I went out into the pasture to bring her in.
So KC, may your fondest memories of your beloved kitty stay strong in your heart and soul, no matter how much time goes by. May remembering her bring a smile to your face and a familiar warmth to your heart.