Katherine (Kate) McAleer-Johnson, 33, passed away on December 10, 2020, in Abington, PA. She suffered from mitochondrial disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and several other conditions. Kate grew up in Arlington, VA, and graduated from Washington-Lee High School (now Washington-Liberty High School) in 2005 as a valedictorian, earning an International Baccalaureate degree. She loved music of many types, and was a talented musician. As a pianist, she performed frequently in recitals and competitions. She also sang with the award-winning Washington-Lee Madrigal Singers.

Kate was a strong advocate for human rights. She had hoped to work with victims of genocide in Africa, and, to this end, enrolled in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, but she was unable to complete the full course of study for health reasons.

Kate is remembered for her unfailingly positive outlook, even in the face of many medical challenges. She is survived by her parents, Paul Johnson and Nancy McAleer, of Elkins Park, PA, aunts and uncles (Jan McAleer, of Wickford RI, Jack and Patti McAleer, of Carmel Valley, CA, and Holden McAleer, of Baltimore, MD) and cousins (Todd Rathke, John Rathke, Jessica McAleer Williams, Alex McAleer, Julie McAleer, Christopher McAleer, and Molly McAleer Fine).

A service to honor and celebrate her life (via Zoom) is planned, and will be announced on this site.