Kayla Marie "KK" McKinney

Kayla "KK" Marie McKinney, 21, of Manchester, and formerly of Vernon and Avon, passed away suddenly Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015.

Born in Hartford, the daughter of Thomas McKinney of Vernon and Dena (Barracato) Heise of South Windsor, she grew up and lived in Avon and Vernon before moving to Manchester two months ago. She was a graduate of Avon High School. Kayla was blessed with an effervescent personality, and she had a natural artistic ability and a love for fashion. She enjoyed spending time outdoors and fishing with her brothers.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her stepmother, Margaret (Carey) McKinney, of Vernon; her three brothers, Anthony Mears and his fiancée, Mary Swetzes, of Coventry, and Ryan and Brandon McKinney, both of Vernon; her paternal grandparents, E. Thomas and Deborah McKinney, of Vernon; her maternal grandparents, John and Florence Barracato of Florida; her step-grandmother, Mary Ann Carey of Florida; two uncles, Richard McKinney and his wife, Christine, of Vernon, and John Barracato Jr. and his wife, Becky, of Florida; an aunt, Ellen Bergren and her husband, Jeff, of Virginia; and several loving cousins and dear friends.

Her family will receive family and friends for calling hours Sunday, Aug. 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon, followed by a service of remembrance at the funeral home beginning at 5 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of her family.

Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department Association, P.O. Box 951, Vernon, CT 06066.

For online condolences and guest book, please visit

www.carmonfuneralhome.com