Obituary of Staff Sergeant Kaitlyn Marie DeNardo

Staff Sergeant Kaitlyn Marie DeNardo, our beautiful, courageous daughter, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021 at the age of 23.

Kaitlyn was born on August 13, 1998 in Slidell, Louisiana to Michael and Dawn DeNardo Jr. She is the younger overprotective sister of Christopher and Michael DeNardo; the loving sister of Shelby DeNardo; Godmother of Scarlett Rose; aunt of Christopher, James, and Dominic; loving dog momma to Charles Reginald Brown DeNardo; and granddaughter of Jennifer Pembo and Margaret DeNardo. 

From the beginning, her family knew she was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Through her years, Kaitlyn achieved and surpassed any goal she set and brought so much love and happiness to anyone she knew. She had a genuine soul and the love for her family and friends was immeasurable. Many that have known her said she was a one of a kind and to know her was to love her.

At the age of 19, she decided to join the United States Air Force because she wanted to bring young women and men like her brothers home to their families.

Kaitlyn was serving in the 10^th Surgical Operations Squadron as a noncommissioned officer. During her time in the Air Force, she received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, U.S. Air Force Professional Military Education Ribbon, and Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon. In November 2020, Kaitlyn was named the Distinguished Graduate of her Airman Leadership School Class.   

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A funeral service will begin in the chapel at noon. Following the service, Kaitlyn will be laid to rest with military honors in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or the Til Valhalla Project. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com