Katherine MacArthur Hermann

1918 - 2018

Katherine MacArthur Hermann

Newark - Katherine MacArthur Hermann, age 100 of Newark, DE passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at her home. Born July 15, 1918 in Somerville, MA, she was the daughter of the late Malcolm and Catherine (MacLeod) MacArthur. While no longer with us, Katherine now joins her brother Alexander MacArthur, her sister Virginia Swersbin and Edward "Ned" Charles Hermann, her loving husband. Katherine, affectionately known as Katie, enjoyed people; people of every race, creed, color, language, and walk of life. She and her late husband, Ned, traveled the world, meeting people and enjoying the cultures of all seven continents. Residents of Newark since 1956, she and Ned raised a family and were founding members of the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Newark. They were active in community activities, including the foundation and development of the Iron Hill Museum. She contributed to many charitable organizations and causes, including providing transportation to cancer patients, delivering meals on wheels, hosting coffee hours, serving in soup kitchens, grocery shopping for Head Start and supporting Newark Senior Center.

Katie was active with the New Ark United Church of Christ and made many friends there.

She was an avid reader with incredible wit, and prided herself on using those attributes to understand both her local community and the world at large. Katie was an optimist, with genuine and natural empathy, who perpetually sought opportunities to positively influence the world around her. Beyond her love for them, Katie's family will miss most her love, support, encouragement, insight, and wisdom. Most of all, Katie leaves behind a legacy of tolerance, inclusivity, and pragmatism. She was loved by all that knew her and will be greatly missed. Katherine MacArthur Hermann's most enduring legacy lives on in the family and friends she has helped to mold.

On behalf of Katie, her family wishes to express the tremendous depths of her gratitude to all those who helped her navigate the end of her incredible journey.

Katie is survived by three sons: Robert C. Hermann and his wife, Patty of Marietta, GA, Karl A. Hermann and his wife, Cheryl of Elizabeth, CO and Douglas E. Hermann of Newark, DE; daughter, Frances H. Moran and her husband, Jeff of Anderson, SC; twelve grandchildren: Elise (Uriah), Sara (Jared), Kali, Eric, Stephen (Colleen), Ross, Laura, Ben, Asa (Michelle), Erin, Katherine, and Anna (Ted); seven great grandchildren: Asher, Ryan, Piper, William, Aiden, Hendrix, and Aili and two additional great grandchildren who are on the way.

A private gathering will be held by her family. To celebrate Katie's zest for life, the family asks friends to spend time listening and supporting someone in need in her memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Chesapeake Bay Foundation and sent in care of R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.