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.
Meaghan
Hey Eals,
I sweet memory of you popped up this morning. It hurts to hear of your passing. There’s a few things I wish I had told you when we ran together. I wasn’t able to articulate how much I respect you then. You had an unshakable integrity that is remarkable for a college student. You were unfailing kind and curious to know others deeply. And authentic in a way that demands courage and you wanted others to be that courageous too. This morning I remembered sitting next to you in a van, bound for a meet . You asked me about my interests and my hopes for college. You asked me really precise, thoughtful questions. Ones that I hadn’t even considered myself. That sort of attunement and curiosity is one of the most beautiful gifts that a person can offer. I’m so grateful I got to know you.
Love,
Meg Collins EUXC
Jackie Sgambati
I’m very heartbroken to hear of Katelyn’s passing and send my deepest sympathies and condolences. I pray that you find comfort in the memories shared and the impact Katelyn left on all she knew. Katelyn made a significant impact on me and all her teammates on the cross country and track teams at Elon University. She was the type of athlete every coach dreams of coaching and I had the privilege of doing so for her 4 years at Elon. The memories we shared together, from training to competitions, pasta parties to road trips, the first day of practice to graduation, we’ll remember Katelyn as a very bright light that will never stop shining.
Justin Garren
I was heartbroken to hear of Katelyn’s passing. I have such fond memories of our time running cross country together at Elon, the countless miles of training, and reconnecting in Delaware after college. Katelyn was truly one of the kindest, most thoughtful people. She had such a genuine curiosity about others and always made you feel heard and cared for. She rarely talked about herself, instead always taking an interest in those around her. She was a special person who will be deeply missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
Cab Rossi
I am deeply saddened to hear of Katelyn’s passing. I had the privilege of being on the Elon Cross Country Team with Ealer during my Freshman and her Senior year. She was a true role model for embracing all aspects of the sport. I can think of several overnight meets when I roomed with Ealer, and she always helped my nerves by reinforcing that your doing your best and enjoying running was always enough. She had a way of showing us that being on a team and working together, mattered more than race times or points. I was always so inspired by her intellect, and her ability to truly listen to and embrace others. Ealer exemplifies what it means to stay true to yourself. Myself and Katelyn’s teammates were lucky to share the trails and the track with her, and will miss her light. Sending strength to her family.