Our beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Dunne also known as Kate, (she referred to Kaitlyn as her “federal name”) left this world on September 1, 2024. She was a bright shining light to all, if only she could have seen that in herself. She was one of the most compassionate, caring, loving and courageous individuals to walk this earth. She was an amazing advocate and fought for equality, most especially marginalized groups. She was born on September 30, 2004 just three minutes after her twin sister, Molly Katherine Dunne. As many know, Molly passed away on May 17, 2012. Ever since that day, Kate has expressed her immense desire to be reunited with her beloved twin. Kate fought for many years to stay with us, her family, but ultimately her need to be with Molly became greater than her need to be here.
Kate attended Developing Minds Preschool, St. John the Beloved, Brandywine Springs School, Conrad Schools of Science and most recently, Widener University where she was currently a sophomore.
From the days of toddlerhood, her infectious and funny personality touched all who came into contact with her. She was the first to reach out to anyone in need and would offer things such as pencils, stickers, some of her lunch or anything else she had to give. Kate believed in helping others no matter the circumstances. Kate was diagnosed with a rare, chronic disease at the age of eight and spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital and attending various medical appointments. She was always so brave despite the trauma she suffered after watching her twin’s medical journey and eventual passing.
She was active in many sports such as swimming, soccer, track, and basketball. She was most recognized for her fierce moves and “menacing” facial expressions in playing defense during basketball. Unfortunately her sports career was cut short due to her chronic illness. Kate found other ways of expressing herself such as making amazing art, taking amazing photos, writing creative stories, her love of music, collecting stuffed animals, buying any and all kinds of various and assorted cups, buying and applying stickers to just about all of her possessions and even possessions of others at times, printing out and decorating her room with pictures of family, friends and things she loved. Kate also had a great love for tattoos and at any available opportunity would add another to her collection. She shared that her tattoos were all very meaningful and was very proud of each and every one.
Kate was a friend to many and was wise beyond her years. She had two close friends, Alyssa Kelsey and Emma Willauer that stuck by her side throughout her struggles but she connected most closely with adults, as evidenced by the many friendships with those years older than herself.
While attending Widener University, she was chosen as a freshman student to present a speech during Honors Week. Kate came up with the idea to visit some of the men who resided at the Chester County Correctional Facility. She viewed these men as human beings rather than inmates or prisoners. She never asked questions about how they got there but was more interested in how they survived and functioned day to day. She had a particular interest in speaking with some of the elderly residents and in-turn voicing the lack of resources for them. She shared their stories during her presentation and will likely have an impact on these men forever.
Kate is survived by her loving parents, Kevin and Kristen Dunne, her older brother Ryan, her aunt Hilary Bennett (Lou), aunt Maureen Shields (James), aunt Kathleen McGurk (Chris), aunt Anne Marie Dunne, uncle Michael Dunne, aunt Regina Lutjen (Stephen), cousins James Shields (Nora), Michael McGurk, Kerri Shields, Erin Creighton (Ryan) Megan McGurk, Shannon Shields, Matthew McGurk, Mandy McGurk, Meredith and Stephen Lutjen, Beatrice Bennett, James Shields and Maureen Creighton. She is survived by many great aunts and uncles, and her grandfather, Robert Porstman. She is predeceased by her paternal grandparents, John and Mary Dunne and maternal grandmother, Courtney Porstman.
A viewing is scheduled for Monday, September 9th from 5-8 PM at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808. A celebration of life will occur on Tuesday, September 10th at 11AM at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home. Internment immediately following at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808. A luncheon will be provided at Trinity Community Church, 6580 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend! To go along with Kate’s vivacious personality, attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kate’s memory to the American Federation for Suicide Prevention, 199 Water St., 11th Floor, NY, NY 10038 or asp.org. To send condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
