Kathie McDonald Delaney (Darlin'), 72, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2020, as a result of a long battle with COVID- 19. She was a resident of Longwood, FL.

Kathie was born September 26, 1947 in DeRidder, Louisiana to Joe Richard "Mac" and Faye Price McDonald. She had a younger brother, Joe. She attended Golden High School in Golden, CO, and later attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now Louisiana Lafayette) where she earned an Associate's degree.

Kathie married the love of her life, Robert Michael Delaney, on January 23, 1971 in Phoenixville, PA. They spent 49 years together and were just 5 months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. Throughout their marriage they lived throughout the country including Ormond Beach, FL; Savannah, GA; Glen Ridge, NJ; Severna Park, MD; Orlando, FL; Worthington, OH; and settled back in Orlando in 2004.

In 1973, Kathie worked on Jimmy Carter's campaign in Ormond Beach. She also worked as an advertising copywriter for radio. After spending 20 years in retail jobs, Kathie opened a Merle Norman Cosmetics studio in Longwood, FL. She loved serving her loyal customers and the entire Central Florida community for the past 14 years. Kathie would deliver make-up to some of her customers that were unable to make it to the store. She maintained her status as a Gold Medallion store since its inception. Her family will ensure the store remains open to the community as her legacy.

Kathie was a devout Catholic and this passion led her to Church of the Annunciation in Longwood, FL. She enjoyed her days working side by side with her dear friends Marilyn Napoletano and Sister Judy Waldt. This calling continued at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Worthington, OH as she continued her many years of teaching Religious Education.

Kathie was the epitome of an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law. She possessed the rare gift of making everyone she met feel like they belonged. You always had a spot at her dinner table, which would be impeccably set, with a glass of wine waiting for you. Kathie gave a part of herself to each and every person she met, and those pieces of her will continue to shine bright. A person like Kathie does not simply cease living after death, as the infinite amount of love and kindness she instilled in her children will live on.

Kathie is survived by her husband Robert Michael Delaney (Longwood, FL), daughter Erin Delaney Gerhart and husband Michael (Altamonte Springs, FL), son Patrick McDonald Delaney and wife Lindsey (Orlando, FL), and granddaughter Caroline (Altamonte Springs, FL). She was preceded in death by her father Joe Richard "Mac" and mother Faye Price McDonald and brother Joe Price McDonald.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 6:00-9:00 PM at DeGusipe Funeral Home at 9001 North Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751. A private Catholic Burial Mass will be held in her honor at St. Mary Magdalen Church.

The family will be planning a reception at a later time to celebrate her life. More information will be shared with family and friends in due time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to Feeding America- COVID- 19 Response Fund. This fund serves the vulnerable populations in our communities including the elderly and children. These funds will help stock food banks across the country for those families who are dealing with the same things we just experienced with Kathie. She would be proud to have donations made in her name.

Feeding America- COVID- 19 Response Fund: https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/press-room/feeding-america-establishes-covid-19-response-fund-help-food-banks-during