Kathryn M. Connelly

December 8, 1953 - April 18, 2021

Kathryn “Kayte” M. Connelly, 67, of Walnutport, PA passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at St Luke’s Hospice House. She was born in Goshen, NY, the daughter of the late Dr. Neil and Cecelia (Qualter) Connelly. She was the wife of the late Marc Riddell. Kayte graduated from St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, PA and St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. Her various passions were reflected in her professional experiences. She started out as an acoustic folk performer, while also working at the Lehigh County Association for the Blind. Moving on as an Arts Administrator, Kayte was instrumental in establishing the Berks County Jazz Festival and contributed to the artistic scene in Philadelphia. In her later years she found purpose as a leadership and life skills coach, ultimately becoming President of Best Principled Solutions, LLC, and a founder of The Greater Lehigh Valley Leadership Consortium. She will be remembered as a beloved sister, aunt and great aunt by her siblings Cecelia Connelly Weida, Ph.D, Mary Connelly and Steve Johnson, Patricia “Ticia” Warren, Susan and Kevin Beauchamp, Jeanne Connelly and Kevin McQuaite, Dr. John Connelly and Dr. Renee Morrow-Connelly, Eileen and Mark Kline, Beth and Glenn Morris, and Neil and Beth Connelly, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Kayte loved her family and relished her role as an aunt. She will be remembered as a joyful leader of kids’ parades, impromptu bands, and fashion shows featuring fancy hats. Services will be held privately on May 1 for the family. Those wishing to view the service through Zoom may contact one of the Connelly siblings or the Connell Funeral Home for the appropriate link. In Kathryn’s name, memorial contributions may be made to Sights for Hope 845 Wet Wyoming St. Allentown, PA 18103 and the St Francis Center for Renewal 395 Bridle Path Road Bethlehem, PA 18017.