Kaitlyn Christine McDonnell

Kaitlyn (Katie) Christine McDonnell passed away at the age of 26 on June 7th, 2022. She leaves behind her parents, Andy and Laura, older sister, Kelly, and her beloved boyfriend, Joe Donohue. She is forever loved by her grandparents, Andrew and Eileen McDonnell and the late James and Julia Scales, as well as an abundance of extended family and friends.

Katie was born on January 31, 1996 in Morristown and grew up in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. She spent her early years at the Assumption School, where she made some of her dearest friends and most cherished memories, and later attended Villa Walsh Academy. She went on to study at Elon University, graduating in 2018 with a degree in Finance. Following graduation, Katie began her career in commercial real estate. She made Manhattan her home, most recently residing in the West Village.

Katie was truly one of a kind – iconic in every sense of the word. A classic. Clever, bold, and resolute. She lived her life in caps lock, never failing to light up a room with her vibrant presence and contagious energy.

Those who knew Katie knew her enthusiasm for life and steadfast dedication to her passions. She enjoyed traveling – studying abroad in Shanghai, exploring Europe, and most recently, visiting southern California with Joe in anticipation of their move to the West Coast in the fall. Katie enjoyed being active and living a healthy lifestyle — playing tennis and golf, skiing, and practicing yoga. She cherished her time spent with those she loved the most (including the family Vizslas, Elvis and Augie) in New Jersey, Tuxedo Park, Southampton, and Oyster Bay.

Katie lived life to the fullest. Though she suffered from epilepsy, she refused to live her life in a bubble. She pursued her dreams and despite the challenges she faced, she pushed onward. She overcame so much. She was actively involved with the Epilepsy Foundation, joining with the organization in its mission to aid and support those living with the condition, and completed the New York City Half Marathon this past March to raise funds for the cause.

Words cannot describe how Katie will be missed as a daughter, sister, girlfriend, granddaughter, cousin, niece, and friend, but her beautiful memories and radiant spirit will live on.

A celebration of Katie’s life will be held at Assumption Church (91 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960), on Wednesday, June 22nd at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Katie’s honor to the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York (65 Broadway, Suite 505, New York, NY 10006).