Cover photo for Kayla Alexi McNulty Kaplan's Obituary
1996 Kayla 2024

Kayla Alexi McNulty Kaplan

August 29, 1996 — May 14, 2024

Kayla Alexi McNulty Kaplan, born August 29, 1996 in Pittsburgh, PA, died at the age of 27 on May 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA.  She is survived by her parents Lewis J. Kaplan and Maureen McNulty-Kaplan, her older and younger brothers, Aidan Connor McNulty Kaplan and Killian Eoin McNulty Kaplan, as well as Grizzly Bear, the family Akita.  Kayla developed autism at a young age - a diagnosis that shaped her childhood and adult life.  

Known for her love of family hugs, cats, farm animals, and her Akita companions (Wolfie and Nikki in particular), Kayla demonstrated a wry sense of humor and a boisterous laugh.  She was always at home in a pool or hot tub as water was one of her favorite “happy places”.  Zoos, sunsets in Cape May, and her aunt’s (Kathleen and Loretta) homes completed her list.

She was initially a student and then an adult day program participant at the Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life (PAAL) program in Downingtown.  An avid participant, Kayla found a peer group, community engagement, and joy during her days.  A gentle soul, she charmed those around her with love.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in Kayla’s name to either the PAAL program (www.paalprogram.org/donate/) or Big East Akita Rescue (www.bigeastakitarescue.org/donate/).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kayla Alexi McNulty Kaplan, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors

8413 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors

8413 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 1531

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree