Kaitlyn (Kat) Elizabeth Hennessy put away her paint palette, pottery wheel, and sketchbook for the final time on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the age of 37, after a valiant battle with cancer, leaving a world made more beautiful by her creativity, warmth, and vibrant spirit.

Born in Dallas, Texas, she lived on the Peninsula for 35 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Old Dominion University where she fine-tuned her passion for all things art. She spent years nurturing her love of animals working as a Vet Assistant at Seaford Veterinary Clinic. Kat reveled in nature and trying new adventures, finding much joy camping with her friends and hiking with her beloved fur babies. Kat was never one to shy away from an opportunity to learn, grow, and try new things. She packed a lifetime of love, passion, and purpose into her far too brief years.

Kat leaves behind her Mom and Pops, Michele and Mike Vadnais; her father Tom Hennessy; her siblings Shelby Hennessy and his wife Rachel; Jeremy Hennessy and his wife Chelsea; Kerry Vadnais and her partner Rob Denton; her much adored nieces and nephews Mika, Colton, Hudson, Oaklee and Kali; and a beautiful tapestry of extended family. She also treasured her many wonderful friends that gave her life such fullness and richness.

Kat recently posted “At the end of our days we won’t be measured by how many follows we get or how much our content hit the algorithm, we will be measured by how much we truly lived in each moment and who we chose to share those moments with. I want to leave behind the absolute best memories, experiences, art and little treasures, love and happiness for you all. If I leave this world with that legacy, then everything will have been worth it.” Baby girl, you did all that and more.

Experience > Things

The family is planning a celebration of Kat for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal-welfare charity of your choosing.