Kathleen Knode MacKinnon

Kathleen Knode MacKinnon passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Georgetown University Hospital on January 2, 2026. Kacky, as she was affectionately known, was born on November 5, 1940 in Washington, D.C. and was the beloved daughter of Catherine O’Neil and Thomas Knode. She cherished her relationship with three loving sisters: Margaret, Suzanne, and Karen.

Kacky married the love of her life, Keith MacKinnon, at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. on June 22, 1963. They maintained a welcoming home together in Rockville, Maryland while raising three wonderful children: Keith Jr., Tracy, and Sandy.

Kathleen established herself as a Mom who would go to the ends of the earth to care for her family. Although not the speediest driver, she was often seen behind the wheel of the family station wagon traveling to and from practices, games, recitals, schools, doctors appointments and trips to the beach.

Kacky’s love for others reached well beyond her immediate family. She adored everyone in her extended family. Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends of her children knew they had a warm motherly figure in Kathleen.

In 1989, Kathleen welcomed her son-in-law Dave followed by three fabulous grandchildren: Anna, David, and Megan. Kacky was devoted to spending quality time with her grandkids through a myriad of activities including soccer, theater, karate, tennis, running, fundraising, school activities, birthdays, sacraments, graduations, and holidays. She treasured her annual beach week with her grandchildren.

Kathleen was known to her family and friends to be unfailingly positive, strong, kind, loyal, fun-loving, patriotic, encouraging, optimistic, selfless, and joyful. She was sought by many due to her ability to listen and provide empathetic and wise advice. Kathleen held dear her lifelong friendships.

Some of her favorite pastimes included shopping, laughing with friends, consuming good food, sitting on the beach, following the trials and tribulations of various soap opera characters, rooting for local sports teams, reading, playing card games, completing puzzles, listening to music, and viewing Christmas decorations.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church located at 4101 Norbeck Rd, Rockville, MD 20853. The funeral Mass will begin at 12:30 PM at Saint Patrick’s.

Internment will follow at 1:30 pm at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery located at 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association: www.heart.org.