We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Mary Kate Unthank, aka, Katie/MK. She passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

MK was born on September 20, 1984, in Prince William County Virginia. She is survived by her mother, Melissa Daymude, “husband, Michael Daymude”, Father, Teddy Unthank, “wife, Darleen Unthank”, brothers, David Moore, Nick Cooper, Cody Unthank, sister, Brittany Unthank, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Nana, Betty J. Stewart, grandparents, Smitty and Joy Unthank, great grandparents, uncles, and nephew.

Katie always knew how to light up a room. She made friends wherever she went. MK lived life out loud, for all to see. We rarely had to wonder what she was thinking or how she felt. Offset by her minimalistic approach to everyday life, was the complexity and courage required to navigate the challenges of non-binary life. This life attracted the most wonderful, caring friends, and the love of her life, Amber Palewicz, best friend, Jesse Gilles, friends, Charles Southard, Devon and Kourtney Metcalf, and Nikki Dodson. Many memories were made eating crabs, spending the day at the pool or the beach, shopping yard sales, or simply driving with no destination in mind.

Bunkey was her nickname when she was a baby/toddler. As a child, MK loved to dance, so dance classes were a must. In her teen years, she loved to play softball, go swimming, and take walks amongst nature. As she grew older, her passion for art also grew. Drawing, painting, and pastel art were her passions. Flowers, nature scenes, and still art are what she admired most. She took private art classes and loved visiting art museums. MK even gave college a try for a semester at Joliet Junior College in Chicago. She also took a few classes at NOVA.

Katie’s love for music started when she was very young, playing the violin in middle school and singing in the choir. Her taste in music was extensive. She loved reggae, rock, electronic dance, techno, hip-hop, psychedelic space-rock, blues-based progressive rock, alternative rock, and even some bluegrass, but only on Sundays. She loved and connected with music and experienced many concerts with her friends and family. Katie had a passion for gardening. She nurtured everything she touched. Her favorite plants were succulents, Monsteras, and all variations of the ZZ plant. She also loved orchids, white daisies and black-eyed susans.

Katie was always surrounded by animals. Dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats, she loved them all. There was never a car ride without Katie saying hi to every animal she passed, by making her best distinctive animal sound. This always made us smile. As Katie takes her final journey, she leaves us with so many wonderful memories that will forever fill our hearts.

Services will be held at Baker Post Funeral Home on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 2pm. Baker Post is located at 1001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA 20110. A celebration of life will be held in late spring/early summer. This will conclude Katie’s wishes to have a tree planted, and her body reunited with the earth, to nourish the tree while it grows. Please be sure to include your address in the guestbook, so you can be informed of the date of the celebration of life.

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