Kathleen McAlarnen Werth

Kathleen McAlarnen Werth of Yardley, PA passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025 – much too soon in the eyes of the many who loved her so dearly. She was 46.
Katie was born June 11, 1979 in Somers Point, NJ. She was raised in North Wildwood, NJ, where she attended Margaret Mace Elementary School and graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School (1997). She studied at The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC), and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from LaSalle University (Philadelphia, PA, 2001), her Certified Public Accountant license (2005), and her Masters of Taxation from Villanova University School of Law (Villanova, PA, 2010). She was a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Katie excelled in her field, which surprised exactly no one who knew her. She was talented, intentional, and relentless. She was a highly valued leader and well-respected by her colleagues and clients alike. She took great pride in her work.
In 2004, during her early years at Grant Thornton, LLP, Katie met her very best friend and the love of her life, Raymond, with whom she recently celebrated 18 years of marriage. Katie loved Ray deeply; her devotion to him never wavered. And Ray has loved Katie with every ounce of his being – in sickness and in health, his devotion to her was steadfast. Wherever Katie was, Raymond would be right behind her. Their love and commitment to each other was the foundation of their lives. They cherished their lunches-for-two, discussing their dreams and planning their life together.
Katie and Ray had four wonderful children together: Everett, Reece, Griffin, and Ellie. It cannot be overstated: it was the ultimate honor of Katie's life to be their mother. She loved them fiercely, tenderly, always, and forever. She would do anything for them.
There was no role Katie couldn't or wouldn't take on to ensure her children were set up for success. She was actively involved in Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School's PTO, having served on the Board for four years, as co-President for three of them and co-Chair of the Playground Committee that raised over $75,000 to build a state-of-the-art playground – a need she helped to identify and pursued doggedly. She learned to speak the languages of swimming, baseball, football, softball, basketball, soccer, dance, fishing, and snowboarding; she was a faithful supporter of each of her children, whatever their interests be. During the COVID years, when schools were closed and athletic and academic enrichment opportunities mostly ceased to exist, Katie proudly retired from her career to double-down on her dedication to her family, pouring her intellect, ambition, and heart into her children's well-being and advancement. She was a fervent protector and advocate for those she loved.
Katie was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, niece, and friend. Hers was a monumental presence in all their lives. She was an essential spring of love, support, and inspiration for her sisters, Meghan and Julie.
Katie was a genuine beach-lover throughout her life, as she would recall dating back to her toddler and early adolescent days of eating tomato and cheese sandwiches in the shade under her parents' umbrella boxes in North Wildwood – listening for her father's voice and his Fudge Wudgy song. The ocean called to her. If you're looking for Katie, look to the water's edge where her toes in the water connected her to the rhythm of the tide.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Raymond J. Werth, and their children Everett James, Reece Arthur, Griffin Raymond, and Elizabeth Mary; her sisters, Meghan McAlarnen Eckert (and her children, Madeline and Auggie) and Julie McAlarnen (and her wife, Ciera, and daughter, Harper J.). She was preceded in death by her father, James McAlarnen, and her sister, Lauri McAlarnen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Katie on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, 999 Reading Ave., Yardley, Pa. 19067.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the church. There will be no public visitation prior to mass on Thursday.
Burial will follow in Newtown Cemetery, Newtown, PA.
Donations in Katie's honor can be made to: HomeFront (www.homefrontnj.org/Donate) or St. Ignatius of Antioch Church for the benefit of Prep Education (999 Reading Avenue, Yardley, PA 19067; Attn: Rectory).