Kristin McDonnell Matz, an amazing person taken far too soon, passed away on June 26, 2026, after a courageous 4-year battle with breast cancer. She was born on May 4, 1972, and lived her life with heart, humor, love and kindness.

Kristin was  the beloved daughter of Rebekah Matz and Gary Matz, and loving sister to Brian and his wife Christian. She was also the best aunt in the world to her two favorite people, Piper and Bennett, who were the loves of her life and joy of her days. She poured herself into her family, and she made the people she loved feel deeply cherished.

Kristin moved through the world with an unmistakable sense of style, effortless, confident, and uniquely her own. She loved beauty in the details, and that same care and intention showed up in the way she lived and way she loved.

Her friendships were among the most important parts of her life. Kristin valued her friends deeply, holding them close and showing up for them with loyalty, generosity, and the kind of presence that made ordinary moments feel special.

And then there was her laughter, unforgettable and full of life. If you were lucky to hear it, you couldn't help but smile. People longed to hear that laugh: it was contagious and made everyone around her feel so happy.

Kristin loved to travel and had a special appreciation for fine hotels, trying new restaurants, and discovering local boutiques. She brought curiosity and fun to every adventure, always making experiences feel elevated and memorable, especially when shared with the people she loved.

Round Hill in Jamaica held an especially meaningful place in her heart, and she treasured decades of summers spent at Bethany and Rehoboth Beach. Kristin belonged to the sun and the shore. There wasn't a beach, or a day in the sun, she didn't love. That was her happy place: sitting alongside family and friends, listening to a great playlist, laughing, and soaking in the simple joy of being together.

Kristin was proud of her career in Radiology at GBMC, where she worked for 30 years. She truly loved her job and the coworkers who became such an important part of her life. Her dedication, professionalism, and warmth made a lasting impact on those who worked alongside her.

NDP also held a special place in Kristin's heart. Even years after graduating, she cherished the chance to return to campus, reconnecting with memories and the community that helped shape her.

Kristin had a gift for giving, thoughtful gifts, beautifully wrapped, always perfect. You could tell at a glance how much love and care she pt into every detail. It wasn't just the gift; it was the way she made people feel remembered and important.

Family was everything to Kristin. She held her loved ones close, and her special cousins were like brothers and sisters to her. She cultivated connection, bringing people together, keeping traditions alive, and making sure everyone felt included.

Kristin will be remembered for her strength, her style, her generosity, and the bright, beautiful joy she carried into every room. Her life was defined by love, love for family, love for friends, and love for the moments that mattered most.

Kristin is survived by her loving mother, Betsy Wyatt Matz, her cherished brother, Brian P. Matz and  devoted sister-in-law Christian A. Matz, and the loves of her life, twin nephew and niece, Bennett and Piper Matz. Also survived by her father Gary E. Matz (Debbie) and their children, Sarah Elverud, Morgan Snodderly, and Michael Matz.

Also survived by her special Aunt Craiganne Baird (Louis) and her dear cousins, Michael Baird (Erin), Laurie B. Miller (Jeff), Katie B. Johnson (Kevin), and Andrew P. Baird (Catharine). Her dear uncle Michael J. Wyatt (Vickie) and her cousins Brandon Wyatt, Trevor Wyatt (Gina) and Mollie Wyatt. And many special nieces and nephews.

In addition, survivors include her best friend of 48 years, Thomas A. Roberts, and her two special friends forever to the end, Lindsay Glorioso and Dr. Kerry Shaab. And hundreds of other very special friends. She loved you all.

On September 12, 2026, a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church, 100 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030 at 10am where family and friends will gather to celebrate Kristin's life, bringing together the many people who were blessed by her presence and who will carry her memory forward. Together, we will remember the incredible impact she had on each of us and honor a life that will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you hold Kristin's memory close to your heart by making donations in her name to Notre Dame Prep, 815 Hampton Lane, Towson, MD 21286, so that a scholarship can be established in her memory.