Kathryn Ann Ballard

Kathryn "Kay" (McKenna) Ballard, previously of New Castle and Bethany Beach, DE, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Kathryn was born on January 11, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to the late Francis McKenna and Agnes (Schramm) McKenna.

Kathryn graduated from Niagara Falls High School, and later attended Delaware Technical Community college where she earned her degree as a registered nurse, all while she balanced her responsibilities as a young mother of three. She served as President of the Student Government and was chosen to be the Commencement speaker. She continued her education, earning a bachelor's degree in human resources from Wilmington University.

Kathryn dedicated more than 25 years to Christiana Hospital as a nurse, where she touched countless lives through her work in the Emergency Department and later as the Quality Improvement Coordinator for Trauma. She continued to work part time as a nurse after retiring, known for her friendship, compassion and dedication.

With retirement, Kathryn settled in Bethany Beach, where she fulfilled her lifelong dream of having a beach house. She cherished sharing summers and making memories with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. A devoted member of St. Ann's Church, she looked forward to helping with the annual bazaar. She volunteered at the Atlantic Community Thrift Shop (ACTS) in Ocean View and was proud of the meaningful support it provided to the local region. Living in a retirement community in Yorktown, VA over the last few years, Kathryn formed many close friendships and embraced every opportunity to join day trips and social gatherings. Known for her joyful spirit, she was always the first to get up and dance.

Kathryn was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother who loved nothing more than taking road trips to spend time with her loved ones. Proud of her Irish heritage, she traveled to Ireland many times with her cousins, creating memories she cherished. She took great pride in her independence and in the life she built for her family through her own determination and strength. Always eager to lend a hand, she put others first and was quick to ask, "How can I help?", never one to sit back when someone needed support.

In addition to her parents, Kathryn was preceded in death by her brother, Frank and her granddaughter, Mackenzie Grace Britt.

She is survived by her children, David Ballard (Lisa) of Chester Springs, PA; Nancy Britt (Amanda) of Providence Forge, VA; and Michael Ballard (Anne) of Jacksonville, FL; and by her grandchildren, Jillian, Jake, Annalise, Hanna, Amelia, and Will Ballard. She is also survived by her sister, Maureen Petska of Racine, WI and her brother, Michael McKenna of Las Vegas, NV.

All services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathryn's memory to the charity of the donor's choice.