Katherine Mary McDonnell

Katherine Mary McDonnell, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on September 1, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on January 16, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, Katherine was the beloved daughter of Al Adamic and Patricia Hale, and was later embraced by her stepfather, Tivis Hale. She was reunited in eternal peace with her parents, her cherished sisters Donna Sheets, Joann Modic, Connie Lozier, Patricia Adamic, and her beloved husband, Joseph Spirko. Katherine shared a beautiful life with her husband Joseph, with whom she spent 30 years building a family and creating a home filled with laughter and love. Together, they raised two devoted daughters, Mellissa A. Kerr and Melinda A. Kerr, who were the pride and joy of her life. Katherine's legacy continues through her six grandchildren: Michael Kalnasy IV, Jhenna Bagdon, Marcus Kalnasy, Mikayla Winnen, Alexandria Kovach, and Jon Bagdon, as well as her great-grandchildren Jaxon Litton, Marcus Kalnasy Jr., Kayson Kalnasy, and Joseph B. Leanza. As a cake decorator, Katherine brought joy and sweetness to many with her beautifully crafted creations. Later in life, she found her true calling as a full-time caregiver to her beloved grandchild, a role she embraced with devotion and love. Gardening was another of Katherine's passions, where she found peace and joy in nurturing her plants. She was a devoted fan of Elvis Presley, "I Love Lucy," and the video game "Zelda," enjoying these entertainments with her family. Her baking and cooking were legendary, and her kitchen was always filled with the warmth of her creations and the love she shared with those around her. Katherine was known for her strong, feisty spirit and sharp sense of humor. Her ability to find joy and laughter in life’s journey left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. Her deep capacity for love and her unwavering commitment to her family were hallmarks of her character, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving daughters, siblings Debra Woods, Brenda Fricks, and Larry Mahon, and many other family members and friends not listed here, who all carry fond memories of her in their hearts. In keeping with Katherine's wishes, a private celebration of life will be held to honor her. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that a plant or tree be planted in Katherine’s memory. The family offers a special message from Ecclesiastes 12:7: "and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it," a testament to the enduring faith and love that Katherine carried throughout her life. May her spirit find peace and her love continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.