Katherine Tappen Guthorn

Katherine Tappen Guthorn

AGE: 90 • formerly of Allenhurst and Brielle

Katherine Tappen Guthorn, died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, in Severna Park, MD. Kay, as she was known, had recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Born in Newark, NJ, Kay attended Prospect Hill Country Day School and Bryn Mawr College. She later earned a master's degree from Monmouth College. Kay lived in Nutley as a child, and later raised her large family in Allenhurst and Brielle, NJ. She summered in Little Compton, RI, and was deeply involved in all four communities throughout the span of her life.

Kay was most proud of her service to her country as a U.S. Navy Wave during World War II. It was during this time that she met her husband, Dr. Peter J. Guthorn, who predeceased her in 1998. Kay was the daughter of the late Clarence M. Tappen and Katherine Tappen Mungall. She was also predeceased by her brothers, David and John Tappen.

As a retired special educator at Brielle Elementary School, Kay leaves a lasting legacy of love, admiration, and hard work. She was beloved by her students and their families, some of whom kept in touch with her up until her death. Kay was active in the Episcopal Church for her entire life, and was a longtime member of both Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, NJ and St. Uriel's in Sea Girt, NJ. She sang in both choirs for many years.

Kay is survived by her children, Katherine Guthorn (Terry Haggerty) of Daly City, CA, Christine Flynn of Syracuse, NY, Nancy Harrington (Jerry) of Wallingford, CT, Peter Guthorn (Karen) of Severna Park, MD, Paul Guthorn (Karen) of Huntington Beach, CA, Matthew Guthorn (Cathie) of Brick, NJ, Amanda Warman of Swanzey, NH, and Elizabeth Tomeo of Fleetwood, PA. In addition, she is survived by 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Severna Park. Her family extends their gratitude to the staff and residents of Sunrise who treated our mother with much love and respect. Funeral and burial will be planned for a later date in Little Compton, Rhode Island, where Kay spent many happy summers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay's memory to the Brielle Elementary School Memorial Scholarship Fund, 605 Union Lane, Brielle, NJ 08730. Online condolences may be made at www. barrancofuneralhome.com.