Katelyn Morales, Howell Soccer Star, To Be Remembered

HOWELL, NJ — Services have been planned for Katelyn Antonia Morales, 14, who passed away on Jan. 10 at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia from lymphoma.

A viewing will take place Friday, Jan. 19, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick, 08724.

A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at St. William the Abbot RC Church, 2740 Lakewood Allenwood Road, Howell, 07731. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle.

The Howell community saw an outpouring of support for Katelyn and her family as she received intensive treatment for T-cell lymphoma.

Her family, friends and students in Howell not only raised funds in various ways, but, under the "Fight for Kate!" banner, they expressing their personal support for Katelyn, who was a scholar student with a passion for soccer and other sports.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Katelyn’s memory to Ocean of Love for children with cancer or The Ashley Lauren Foundation. Additionally, her sister Madison is a captain of a Relay for Life team in honor of Katelyn. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

The family's obituary for Katelyn follows:

Our beloved Katelyn Antonia Morales, age 14, of Howell, NJ passed away on January 10th, 2024 at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after a courageous battle with lymphoma. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Katelyn was born on April 11, 2009 in Toms River. She moved to Howell during elementary school and recently graduated 8th grade from Howell Middle School South. She was in her freshman year at Red Bank Catholic High School.

Katelyn was beautiful, kind, strong and selfless. She was a scholar student and a star athlete that excelled in soccer, track and basketball. Soccer was her passion, and she was a member of the nationally ranked BOCA O’Hara Soccer Team.

When she wasn’t playing soccer, she could be found at Manasquan beach and enjoyed catching a sunrise or a sunset. She loved nothing more than spending time with her countless, amazing friends. She also loved vacationing with family, reading, Taylor Swift and the color pink. She will be missed tremendously.

Katelyn is predeceased by her grandfather Antonio Morales and beloved dogs Charlie, Max and Molly. She is survived by her mother, Tabatha, father, Jamie, sister Madison, brother Taylor, maternal grandparents Mary and Joseph Deanni, Thomas Brenner, paternal grandmother Myrna Morales, “aunt” Jul-Jul, many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.obrienfuneralhome.com.