Kitty McDonald Appanaitis

Kitty McDonald Appanaitis, of Cameron, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on October 7, 2025, at the age of 84. A longtime member of the Cameron community, Kitty was beloved by family, friends, and neighbors for her warmth, humor, and generous spirit.
Born and raised in Moore County, Kitty devoted her life to her family, her community, and her work. She was a 1962 graduate of The Woman's College in Greensboro (UNC-G), where she earned her bachelor's degree in Primary Education. In 1964, she became a Certified School Librarian at UNC–Chapel Hill and later earned her Master's Degree in Education with a concentration in Library Science from UNC–Greensboro in 1967.
Kitty's beauty, inside and out, won the heart of the late Andrew Appanaitis, to whom she was married for more than 50 years. This union produced her beloved children, Dr. Alex Appanaitis (Mariedith) of Winston-Salem and Dr. Holly Appanaitis (Lee Edwards) of Cameron. Kitty also cherished her four granddaughters, Mary-Kathryn Appanaitis, Alexa Appanaitis, Bella Edwards, and Ava Edwards, who brought her endless pride and joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J Walter McDonald and Annie O'Quinn McDonald. In addition to her children and their families, she is survived by her brother, Rex McDonald (Dot), and her nieces, Laurie McDonald (Tyler Johnson) and Sharon Bettini (Bradley) and their families.
Balance was always a priority for Kitty. In addition to managing the demands of home and family, she served for more than 30 years in education, most recently as a media specialist with the Moore County Public School System. She ran a tight ship-famously once throwing her own son out of the media center for being too rowdy! Her sharp wit and caring nature made her both respected and adored by students and colleagues. She was named Teacher of the Year (1988–1989) at Union Pines High School and was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine (2003) for her extraordinary service to the State of North Carolina.
A lifelong member of White Hill Presbyterian Church, Kitty served as a deacon, elder, teacher, pianist, and "on-call" organist. Her cakes were legendary fixtures at the church's Harvest Sale, and members knew that in times of loss, they could always count on Kitty's cooking to provide comfort.
In retirement, Kitty continued to serve her community through Meals on Wheels, CROP Walks, the Cameron Park Committee, and as an active member and officer of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Kitty was known for her easy laugh and wonderful sense of humor, her sense of grace and Southern hospitality, and her positive outlook on life. An excellent cook – her hot chicken salad, chocolate pound cake, fudge, and homemade breads will be deeply missed, not only by her family, but by the entire community she loved so well.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at White Hill Presbyterian Church, 3335 White Hill Road, Sanford, NC 27332. The burial will take place at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to White Hill Presbyterian Church (PO Box 5258 Sanford, NC 27331) or Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills (www.mealsonwheelsofthesandhills.com) in Kitty's memory.
Online condolences can be made at PinesFunerals.com
The care of Kitty has been entrusted to Fry and Prickett Funeral Home.