Katelyn Brittany Ealer
May 22, 1986 - October 7, 2026
Katelyn Brittany Ealer, age 40, of Bear, DE, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Born in Newark, DE on May 22, 1986, she was the daughter of Norbert R. and Rosemary (Donohue) Ealer. Katelyn was a graduate of Middletown High School with the class of 2004. She then studied Psychology, earning her Bachelor’s degree from Elon University in 2008 and her Master’s degree from Old Dominion University in 2011. Katelyn pursued a career as a corrections counselor at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, and she also worked as a counselor for a women’s shelter.
While in high school, Katelyn enjoyed participating in plays and jazz band. She continued her musical talents into college where she again joined the jazz band, playing the trombone as well as the guitar. Katelyn developed an early affinity for athletics, becoming an avid and award-winning runner. While at Elon, she set several school records, and she later competed in marathons and triathlons, as well as cycling events. While attending both Elon and Old Dominion, Katelyn was active in the Church, serving as a eucharistic minister. She continued her service as eucharistic minister at Saint Margaret of Scotland Roman Catholic Church, her home parish.
Katelyn is survived by her parents, Norbert and Rosemary Ealer; brother, Matthew Ealer (Angela); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved dogs, Max and Buddy.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Katelyn’s memory to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.
Katie Mroz
Deeply saddened to know this loss. May the Lord grant rest to the soul of your beloved Katelyn, and may her memory be eternal. Her presence will never be absent but it is sorely missed. I ask that the lord also shower your family in comfort. With the warmest of love and deepest condolences, The Mroz Family.
Madeline & Lou Culllen
There are no words imaginable to ease the pain of losing your loving daughter and sister so suddenly. May the love that surrounds you, the precious memories that you hold dear and the support from those who care, give you strength in the days to come. You are in our prayers! 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
Pat & Al Chorzelewski
Our Deepest Sympathy to Norbert, Rosemary & Matthew and all the family. We only met Katelyn once recently but found her to be a very caring and a delightful person. The pictures of the beautiful life she had with her family depicts an indescribable loss and we are so sorry she is gone too soon. Find Peace through all of the memories. Pat &Al
Jared Joya
R.I.P. to my cousin Katelyn. We were first cousins, our mothers are sisters. Though time and space had driven us apart on different journeys, this was sudden and very shocking. From our childhood at mutual family parties transcending to adulthood, Katelyn followed the tune of her own drummer and spoke her mind, not preoccupied with what other people’s opinions were. She fulfilled a lot of goals in a too short-lived life. I am happy to read she gave in ways to her community and helped people who were in trouble. Our late grandmother had 13 grandchildren, Katelyn and I included, and I know she would be proud that Katelyn was active in her community and church. Thoughts go out to her immediate family; I have a close friend who lost a daughter close in age, and joining a support group helped her thoroughly cope with her emotions.
R.I.P. Delaware cousin. Please shine light on us when it is needed.