Marie Simeone Kibby

Marie Simeone Kibby, age 95, died peacefully on August 17, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Catonsville, Md. Marie was born November 20, 1929 in Wilmington, DE. She was raised in Kennett Square, Pa. and graduated in 1946 from Kennett High School where she was a strong participant in school activities and captain of the cheerleading squad. She attended Goldey- Beacom Business School prior to working for The DuPont Company in Wilmington, DE. There she met the love of her life, Jim Kibby. Marie and Jim were married at St. Patrick’s Church in Kennett Square, Pa in 1952. They were blessed with a family of 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Marie was a long time resident of Catonsville, Md where she became an active member of the community involved in school, church and social functions. Her cheerleading experience in high school prepared her for a life long commitment to cheering for her children and grandchildren at athletic events and dance recitals. She offered her family support and encouragement through each phase of their development from infancy through adulthood. Marie was a dedicated gardener, growing a variety of vegetables and flowers which expanded with each season. She was competitive by nature and enjoyed winning her doubles tennis matches. Her competitive nature was transmitted to her children and grandchildren, as evidenced by the enthusiastic games of monopoly, Rummikub and spoons during family game nights. Family vacations in Ocean City, Md. were the highlight of the summer — soft shell crab sandwiches on the beach, walks on the boardwalk and swimming in the ocean. Jim and Marie hosted many gatherings in their home on Hilton Avenue celebrating birthdays, graduations, annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and summer picnics with Jim’s homemade peach ice cream.

Jim and Marie moved to Charlestown Retirement Community in 2004. Marie became a Dining Ambassador and perpetual volunteer at the Treasure Sale. She developed new friendships while maintaining close relationships with her long lasting Catonsville friends. She was a member of the tennis team, traveling to other Erickson communities for tournaments. She played shuffleboard, bocci, and Rummikub. She maintained a beautiful garden of flowers and vegetables, producing the best eggplant ever.

In 2022, Marie moved to St. Joseph’s Nursing Home where her mother, Carmella, had spent her last few years. Marie became acquainted with the residents and staff, learning each by name. She developed a fondness for several staff members and considered them as family. While her body was failing, her mind remained intact as she faced each day with courage.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James Richard Kibby; her parents, Frank and Carmella Simeone; her brother, Alphonse Simeone and her niece, Kina Simeone Clark. She is survived by her children: Carol Kibby Lydon (Joe) of Wilmington, Nc.; Richard Kibby (Marcia) of Annapolis, Md.; John Kibby (Carolyn) of Naples, Fl.; Mary Ann Kibby of Catonsville, Md. and Joe Kibby of Catonsville, Md. Marie is survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer China Boffen (Andrew), Nicolas China (Tricia), Angela China, Ryan Kibby, Sean Kibby (Macarena), Jocelyn Kibby Cornish (Jeff), Evan Kibby, Kristen Kibby Buglione (Cameron), Allison Kibby, Megan Lydon, Patrick Lydon, Dominic Kibby and Angelo Kibby. Additionally, she is survived by 8 great-grandchildren: Stella China Carmello, Nico and Luca China, Avery, Caleb and Chloe Cornish, Daniela and Benjamin Kibby.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 6 at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home Chapel, located at 1222 Tugwell Dr. in Catonsville, Md. Internment will take place at a later date at the VA Cemetery in Crownsville, Md.

We wish to extend our thanks to the dedicated staff at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home for their compassionate care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, www.stjosephs.net.