Mary Kathryn McDonnell (Kathy) Brackenridge, 70, of New Canaan, Connecticut, died peacefully on August 27 at her home in New Canaan, with her beloved daughter Kathryn and husband of 43 years, Gavin, by her side. Born July 8, 1953 to parents Charles E. “Bish” McDonnel and Mary Frances (née Breeding) in Rye, New York, Kathy attended Rye Country Day School, Miss Hall’s School and Bennett College. Upon moving to New York City, she worked in the art world at Coe Kerr Gallery, Davis and Long and Salinder and O’Riley among others. Her professional career extended 40 years in art and retail, culminating in her 12-year position as a Regional Director at Doyle New York, the auction house and her work as a fine art consultant.
Kathy was the most devoted and loving wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother. She adored her extended family and vast network of great friends, for whom she was a source of boundless energy, positivity, and support. Kathy showed constant care and interest in everyone in her life and was always shining with the brightest light of her beautiful smile and true love of life. Her greatest source of joy was her 2-year- old grandson Bish, named for her dear departed older brother. Kathy bravely accepted her diagnosis of ALS with remarkable determination to live every remaining moment with appreciation for family, life, laughter and beauty. Her heroic strength of character was an inspiration to all who encountered her.
She is survived by her husband Gavin; her daughter Kathryn and partner Tuck, their son Bish; stepdaughter Kirsten and her three sons Gavin, George and Whit; her sister Margot Genge and brother-in-law Dean Genge and their sons William and Tyler; sisters-in-law Mary McDonnell and Belinda Brackenridge; her niece Megan Boyle and nephews Charles E. “Bish” McDonnell III and Gavin Wiesen. Kathy is preceded by both her parents Bish and M.F. as well as her late brother Charles E. “Bish” McDonnell, Jr.
Kathy’s life will be celebrated with a visitation on Tuesday, September 5, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home in Rye, New York followed by a Mass of Christian Burial held Wednesday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of the Resurrection in Rye, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy’s honor may be made to Compassionate Care ALS PO Box 1052 West Falmouth, Ma. 02574.
Visitation
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Graham Funeral Home
1036 Boston Post Road
Rye, New York, United States
914-967-0129
Mass
11:00 am
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Church of the Resurrection
910 Boston Post Road
Rye, New York, United States
Interment
Greenwood Union Cemetery
North Street
Rye, New York, United States
