CATHERINE AUCHINCLOSS

AUCHINCLOSS--Catherine Manning Hannon, age 89, died peacefully on March 8th at her home in New York City surrounded by family and friends. A legend has left us. Known to all as KK, she was a vivacious, intelligent and strong woman with a unique joie de vivre. Born on September 21, 1927 in Boston, MA to Francis Joseph Hannon and Helen Tobin Hannon, she was the oldest of her two sisters, Helen Hannon "Carrie" Minot, who predeceased her, and Jean Hannon Douglas. She attended Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. KK was a famous beauty from an early age, charming and spirited, with an inspiring positive outlook. Born with an artistic eye, she designed clothes and jewelry for Tiffany's in her early career. She was married to John Simms "Shipwreck" Kelly and had her only son, John Whitney Kelly (named for his godfather John Hay Whitney.) A second marriage to Peter Larkin, whose great- grandfather Captain Richard King founded the King Ranch of Kingsville, TX, ended tragically with Mr. Larkin's death at age 41. She had a brief marriage to James Overton Winston III of Houston, TX. Her fourth and final marriage to James Douglas Auchincloss lasted twenty years until Mr. Auchincloss's death in 2000. KK made beautiful homes wherever she lived, creating unique interiors and gardens in New York City, London, Paris, Hobe Sound, FL and her beloved Dark Harbor, ME, where she helped renovate a Catholic Church. At 87, she renovated a Norman chateau in Brookville, NY celebrating her love of 18th C furniture and decorative arts. KK was involved in many charities including the Brandywine Conservancy and the Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA. She had her portrait done by many artists, including Jamie Wyeth and Andy Warhol. She was fun and funny, adored dancing and catching a man's eye. As a hostess, she entertained with flair, loved intelligent conversation and sophisticated wit. KK lived in a world of rotary phones, tea at four and champagne swizzle sticks. She was interested in imagination and what sparked it, and credited her unique abilities to gifts from God. Always chic, KK dressed impeccably into her last days. She will be sorely missed by those who love her. As she often said when departing, "Bye for now. Keep in constant touch." KK is survived by her son John, and his wife Jennifer Benson Kelly; her only and beloved grandson Logan Simms Kelly; her sister Jean, and her brother-in-law James Gordon Douglas; eight devoted nieces and nephews; eight stepchildren; and dozens of great nieces and nephews, step grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren, and Champ, the black lab. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary of the Isles c/o St. Brendan, 7 Union St., Camden, ME 04843. A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, March 13 at St. Vincent Ferrer in NYC at 10am.