Katy Kennedy Barnhill

Katy Kennedy Barnhill was born in Newport Beach, CA to Craig and Leslie Kennedy in the evening on November 13th, 1978. She spent her formative years in Irvine, CA and enjoyed a childhood filled with the beach, beautiful summers, and the warm Californian sun. Katy attended UCSD and spent much of her time in her early 20s traveling the world. Katy’s spirit and kindness was known by all who met her. She had a graceful presence that would put one at ease and was always thoughtful of others. Katy was a dedicated member of Mariners Church in Newport Beach, an amazing pianist, and one of the nicest people you’ve ever met. Her smile would light up a room.

Katy Kennedy Barnhill passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26th 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Katy is survived by her loving husband John, her daughters Ellie and Kendall, her mother Leslie, and her brother Evan.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

A Lovely Tribute to Katy

A star is born when a nebula dies.. The inward and outward forces need to reach balance, and then the star burns brightly.

From the moment I met Katy, I thought of her as a shiny star.

She is a person who is goodness and light.

Her inward and outward beauty were balanced. Both bright and beautiful.

We all think of her wonderful smile and know her as a kind person who valued her relationships and most of all, her family.

Katy appreciated support from others and was there to offer a kind word or a wonderful hug.

Her girls have all her heart and bravery, and they are wonderful because of it. They have met their struggles and loss with grace and love.

Katy’s joy is as a mom. Birthdays and Christmas, time in the pool, books and movies, special trips, and lots of snuggles. Celebrating accomplishments, large and small.

So when you feel down,

look up into the sky and know that she is there,

Smiling down on you and telling you to look for the light,

as the bright and shiny star that she is.

If you would like, donations may be sent to the Hoag Hospital Foundation (330 Placentia Avenue, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92663) in Memory of Katy Barnhill. Donations will support Pancreatic Research at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach. Donations can also be made online by visiting www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org and selecting the “Donate” tab at the top of the page. Please choose Hoag Family Cancer Institute from the designation dropdown, and reference Katy Barnhill in the "Tribute Information section.” Thank you