Catherine "Kitty" Kabakjian

Born November 8, 1934, to Biddle and Annetta “Nancy” Mann in Philadelphia, PA, she spent a happy childhood with her parents and brother Tom in Aldan, PA, which she often compared to the idyllic lifestyle of “Leave it to Beaver.” She was affectionately known as "Sissy" to her brother and father, "Cassie" to her cousins, "Kitty" to her friends, but always Catherine to her mother.

She attended Lansdowne Aldan High School where at the age of 16 she met and began dating the love of her life, William “Bill” Kabakjian, Jr. After graduating, she fulfilled her childhood dream of being a nurse by earning her associate’s degree in nursing at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital. It was there her girlfriends gave her the nickname “Kitty,” insisting Catherine was too big a name for someone so tiny. Following graduation, she served her community as a visiting nurse and later as a school nurse.

Kitty and Bill were married in 1957. Together they reared their seven children, first in Lansdowne and later in West Chester, PA. She was a devoted wife, tireless homemaker, and amazing mother and grandmother. From memorable holidays and birthdays to summers in Wildwood Crest; time devoted as a Cub Scout Den Mother, school trip chaperone, and room mother; to comfort on sick days with chicken soup and ginger ale, Kitty made her family feel loved and cared for. Her grandchildren are full of stories about how Grandmom made every visit special with “Marshmallow Maties,” favorite books, toys, days at the beach, and other adventures. She was always ready to listen and eager to hear about their thoughts and aspirations and was intentional to write encouraging letters and birthday cards.

Kitty’s life was grounded in her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her faith permeated every area of her life. All who knew her were blessed by her care, her devoted attention, and her genuine interest in them as individuals. Her love of Bible study and her desire to know God more deeply led her to earn an associate’s degree in biblical studies from Philadelphia College of the Bible. She shared God’s love by giving generously of her time and offering wisdom and truth to others, including through a prison ministry in which she corresponded with inmates who were working through a Bible study.

She loved to read. She loved history. She and Bill enjoyed traveling, visiting museums, and learning more about the world around them. She loved the beach and water, which motivated them in 1999 to move to Mt. Pleasant, SC, where they lived for 20 years. In 2019, they moved to Greenville, SC, to be closer to family.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, William Jr.; their seven children: William III (Janice), Robert (Tammy), Paul (Janet), John (Donna), Connie (Darwin Brewster), Nancy, and Denise (Todd Corey); grandchildren: William IV, Justine Kabakjian Baumberger, Elizabeth, Matthew, Robert, Tori, Katie, Paul, Jr., Justin, Nathan, Kyle, Jessica, Devin Brewster, Michael Brewster, Catherine Brewster Mudd, Grace Brewster Weaver, Jack Corey, Seth Corey, Joshua Corey, and Nan Corey; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Biddle and Annetta Mann; her brother, Thomas; a daughter who passed at birth; and a grandson, John Kabakjian, Jr.

Kitty will always be remembered for her attentiveness, for the personal interest she took in everyone she met, and for her compassion and concern for others. Her love for Jesus was seen in everything she did. While she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices that she is finally with the God she so faithfully served.

A visitation for Kitty will be held at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609, on Monday, January 19, at 2 p.m. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 3 p.m. For those unable to attend the service in person, a link to join virtually via Facebook Live is available: https://www.facebook.com/events/1605470050903322/

Kitty will be laid to rest at Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer, PA. Plans for a graveside service will be announced when arrangements are complete.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in Kitty's honor to Gideons International or Compassion International. Links to these organizations can be found below.