Date of Birth
October 1, 1979
Date of Death
June 30, 2017
Location
New York City, New York
Cause of Death
Cardiac Arrest
Who She Was
Her Story
Mother, Friend and Philanthropist, Catherine (Kit) Lai, age 37, died suddenly from cardiac arrest. Mother and the unborn child she was carrying passed peacefully together, surrounded by loved ones.
Kit was born on October 1, 1979 in Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago to David Lai a retired architect and hospital administrator, and Maureen Lai, a retired teacher and counselor from the Chicago public school system.
She is survived by both parents, her brother Brendan, as well as the love of her life, her husband, John (JD) Darcy, and her beloved son Dashiell, age two.
Kit grew up in the near southwest side of Chicago and attended Whitney Young high school. She majored in psychology at Vassar College, and was an active member of the school’s volleyball team. Kit’s professional career in the beauty industry began immediately after college. Prior to joining L’Oreal USA, Kit built a thriving and dynamic career in the beauty industry with integral roles at Behrman Communications, Translation, TLCommunications, and COTY.
After four pivotal years at Lancome, Kit was recently promoted to the Vice President of Global Communications & Digital for the L’Oreal prestige fragrance house, Atelier Cologne. Kit’s husband, JD, is also a member of the L’Oreal family, where he works in marketing on the Kiehl’s Since 1851 brand. Their shared interest in the beauty industry was, of course, only one of the many passions that fueled the powerful flame of this wonderful couple’s 13-year love story.
Kit was a long-time supporter of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During her tenure at Lancome she tirelessly contributed to their long-standing corporate partnership to find cures and save children. Kit may have found her way to St. Jude via her position at Lancome, but her work for them was a direct result of her personal commitment. “Kit’s passion for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was profound. Whether she was providing life-changing moments at St. Jude for our patients, beauty influencers or Lancome associates or participating in St. Jude events throughout the country, Kit always brought beauty and happiness to our patients and their families during times when they needed it most,” said Richard Shadyac, Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Kit is leaving behind an amazing legacy of love and service that reminds us all of the tremendous difference one person can make in the lives of many.”
Kit was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, friend, professional, and philanthropist. She always jumped at the chance to host gatherings of loved ones. She loved art, museums, visits to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and was an active supporter of her community Park Slope Food Co-Op. Her selflessness, humor, intelligence, and compassion make her loss, in her life’s prime, devastating to all those who were touched by her. She brought beauty to the world, and made those around her better for knowing her.
JD, Dash, and family are humbled and deeply thankful for the overwhelming support and love they have been shown through this difficult time. The outpouring of sympathy by those whose lives have been touched by Kit has moved them beyond words, and their gratitude is beyond expression.