Kathleen McNelis

Kathy McNelis
January 18, 1959 - August 13, 2025
Kathleen McNelis, 66, of Plant City, Florida, passed away on August 13, 2025, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Endicott, New York, on January 18, 1959, she was raised in East North Port, NY as the eldest child of Irene and the late Patrick McNelis. As the oldest of seven, she grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to her family.
She was known for her intelligence, humor, and quick wit, qualities that drew people to her and kept them laughing even in difficult moments. Fiercely loyal and protective of those she loved, she was the person you could count on without question.
A gifted student with an insatiable curiosity, she earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY, Stony Brook University before going on to receive her PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology from The Ohio State University. Throughout her career, she was dedicated to understanding and improving workplaces, always believing that the human side of business mattered most.
Outside of her professional life, she found her greatest joy in her family and the traditions they built together. She loved spending her summers at Hulett's Landing, New York, and Christmas on Long Island, surrounded by generations of loved ones. She also cherished her lifelong friendships with "the girls," enjoying countless meet-ups and trips together that filled her life with laughter and connection. She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St. Clement's Catholic Church, where her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.
A lifelong New York Mets fan and a proud Ohio State Buckeye, she cheered them on faithfully (and loudly) through every season. She enjoyed cooking for those she cared about, and was famous for her St. Patrick's Day Irish Soda muffins. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, capturing and preserving the stories of her life and the people she cherished. She loved hot pretzels, black and white cookies, and she took her tea with a splash of milk.
She was a devoted mother to her two children, Molly and David, who were the great joys of her life. She taught them to value education, to stand up for what they believe in, and to face challenges with grace. Her wisdom, humor, and unwavering support shaped not only their lives, but the lives of all who knew her.
She is survived by her mother, Irene; her children, Molly and David; and her four younger brothers, Kevin, Brian, John, and Patrick. She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick, and two of her brothers, Michael and Thomas.
A beloved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, friend, and "glam-ma" to her grand-dogs, she will be remembered for her unconditional love that gave strength, offered comfort, and never wavered. Her passing leaves a profound emptiness in the lives of those who knew her, a deeply felt loss that will be carried with equal measure of gratitude for the gift of her presence and memory.
A memorial celebration will be held at her home, 2881 Hammock Drive, in Plant City, on September 6 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
A second service will take place in New York at a later date, with details to be announced.
She will be laid to rest at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York, alongside her father, grandparents, and brothers.