Catherine Brill

1920 - 2017

Catherine Brill (Aunt Kay) passed away peacefully at home on December 8th at the age of 96. She was born in Thuringen, Germany on December 27, 1920, and immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was 2 1/2 years old, traveling directly to Detroit, Michigan, where her mother had relatives. She graduated from Eastern High School with honors. Her favorite studies were English, literature and social sciences. However, for economic reasons, Kay focused on a commercial course and dove into the business world after graduation. She later took courses at Wayne State University. Kay spent her years working in the advertising business. She retired in 1982 from Leo Burnett Advertising Agency, located in Detroit. She then relocated to New England with her father to live near her sister's family. Kay, our "little fraulein," touched everyone that she came in contact with. She was witty, caring and smart, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. She was one-of-a-kind and an all-around fun gal, and she had a huge influence on the many lives she touched. Kay was truly a sweetheart and will live on in our hearts always. She is predeceased by her mother and father, Martha and Ernst Brill, and her sister Eleanor Manners and husband Dwight. Kay is survived by her loving niece, Linda Manners Klinger and husband Edward and his daughter Claudia, who all took great care of Kay. She also leaves behind her nephew, Douglas Manners, his wife Lynn and their children, Douglas Alexander Manners and Jessica Malin; and her nephew, Dwight Jeffery Manners, his wife Lili and their children, Ursula Manners and Tanja Manners. A very special thanks goes to Bella, Kay's longtime and loving caregiver, and to the Baystate VNA and Hospice staff for their excellent care. Memorial contributions in memory of Catherine Brill may be made to the Baystate VNA and Hospice, 50 Maple Street, Springfield, MA 01103. Burial and service will be private.