Catherine C. "Kelly" Quindlen

Catherine Cecilia Kelly Quindlen, of Media, PA, passed away August 29, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born in Yeadon, PA, Kitty was the oldest daughter of the late Frank and Kathryn Kelly. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Jack; her younger brother, Frank; and many dear friends. She is survived by her adoring children: Jack (Mary Ellen), Casey (Bill), Stephen (Tish), Jerry (Teresa), and Tom (Michele); 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren (two of whom are named for her); her devoted sisters, Pat Godwin and Joan Kelly, SND; and her best friend, Sybrenia Smith, who was with her until the end.

Kitty loved books, chocolate, skim milk, golf, dancing, the color pink, cheering for "the Iggles," and a good bargain. She was adamant about having her hair done on Fridays. She was always cold. She had the skinniest ankles known to man, and they were usually crossed at the end of the couch while she read. She ran a tight ship, and all of her children and grandchildren knew better than to cross her when she declared "The kitchen is now closed!" at the end of the night. She was also a coupon queen and never set foot in Acme without several bologna coupons in her purse. Her son Jerry once remarked that she was the only woman in history to buy a house using coupons.

Kitty grew up whip-smart and hungry for knowledge at a time when many women could not pursue higher education. She graduated top of her class from Villa Maria Academy ('49) and, since she could not pursue her own education, she assisted Jack with his. When Jack studied for his Master's Degree, Kitty took breaks from child-rearing to type up his papers. She also read every book she could get her hands on-and was never shy to share her opinions on them. She held fast to what she knew to be true and once corrected a Monaco tour guide about the details of Grace Kelly's life.

As a mother and grandmother, Kitty was strict but fiercely loving. She gave birth to her five children in a seven-year span and raised them to be industrious, honorable, and devoted to their Catholic faith. When dishwashers became popular household appliances in the 1970s, Kitty's children begged her to buy one. She responded, "I already have five." As a grandmother, she cherished time with her grandchildren, especially down the shore, where she handed down her love of reading, puzzles, and making trips to the library. At the family's shore house, she organized family dinner every night, whether there were four people or forty. She had three unspoken expectations for dinner: everyone shows up; everyone helps; and there will always be dessert. Kitty was immensely proud of her family and occasionally annoyed her friends with how much she bragged about them. One of her greatest joys was watching her children and grandchildren perform silly songs, everything from parodies at family weddings to the routines her grandkids made up to sell lemonade on the boardwalk.

Above all, Kitty loved Jack. She met him at a church dance when she was seventeen and never looked back. They were lucky enough to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary two months before Jack passed in 2024. Toward the end of Kitty's life, as her memory faded and she could not remember whether Jack was still with her, she would often ask for her "boyfriend," going back to that sweet time when the two first met at the church dance. Her family knows it is not coincidence that Kitty passed at the start of Labor Day Weekend – the same holiday weekend when she had first met Jack all those years ago. She was ready to dance with him again.

Kitty was a formidable force whose presence will be deeply missed. She will live on in her family, who will think of her every time they sit down to eat a brownie or read a good book. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ocean City Public Library: https://www.oceancitylibrary.org/donations/.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation 9:30-11:00 A.M Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalen's Church, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. Interment at Saints Peter & Paul Church.