Catherine T. Brady "Kay" & Frank R. Brady

Catherine Brady:

Catherine (Kay) T. Brady, age 99, passed away on April 16, 2021 after a long productive life.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 8, 1921 to Kate Mullen and Anthony Sulimay. Kay was from a large Catholic family, the second child of sixteen children, raised in their brownstone home in Fairmount.

Kay was a proud graduate of Hallahan Catholic Girls’ HS, Class of ‘40. She was captain of the basketball team and a ‘jacks’ champion! Her career was one of government service, which began in Washington DC and upon returning to Philadelphia she worked at the U.S. Mint, Frankford Arsenal, and Internal Revenue Service. Dedicated to the war effort, she had many pen pals and corresponded with soldiers during WW II. Kay also began writing poetry in her early twenties, her poem collections were later beautifully printed and organized by her husband for posterity.

With a love for local theater, Kay performed in various roles with the Central Players’ live theatre productions. She enlisted her future husband, Frank Brady, to design and construct the theatre sets. Kay and Frank later married in 1952, they raised three children and were happily married for over 68 years. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren taking them out to eat, and teaching them how to say the alphabet backwards!

Kay loved reading about American history and had a special affinity for our Native Americans, often visiting Jim Thorpe, PA - the resting place of Native American Olympian, Jim Thorpe. She enjoyed many day trips with Frank, exploring small towns and the Jersey shore which always included a stop at ‘Americana’ diners along the way.

Strong in her Catholic faith, Kay prayed the Rosary every day and supported many Catholic charities. One of her favorite charities was the Maryknoll Sisters.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband Frank Brady, her son Francis, her siblings Betty (Buck), Josephine (Howard), Loretta (Jim), Lucille (Henry), Teresa (Pete), Mary Ellen (Dominic), Margaret, Anthony (Kathy), Thomas (Nancy), and John (Barbara). She is survived by her children John (Mary) and Karen O’Neill (James) and grandchildren Daniel, Michael, Sarah, David Brady, Michelle Barone (Joe), her siblings Marie (Bob), Madeline (John), Patricia (Bunky), Joseph (Rita), James (Carol), and her wonderful nieces and nephews.

Memorial Mass on September 11, 2021 at 10 AM at Maternity B.V.M. Church in Philadelphia, PA

Kay supported the Maryknoll sisters if anyone would like to make a donation in her honor at: https://www.maryknollsisters.org/support-us/donate-now/.

Frank Brady:

Frank R. Brady, age 95, passed away on April 3, 2021 after a long and productive life.

He lived his life in Philadelphia, born on December 21, 1925 to Francis Brady and Freda Huber Brady. He graduated from Dobbins Technical High School and the Spring Garden Institute, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering leading to a career with SKF Industries working from an apprentice toolmaker to a Quality Control Foreman.

Frank was devoted to the war effort as part of “America’s Greatest Generation” and served his country proudly in the US Navy during World War II from March 1944 – March 1946. He was a petty officer and served on the PC 1212 Subchaser, which patrolled the Atlantic from Key West to New York, defending against the German’s U-boat threat and also traveled into the Pacific for Naval exercises during his deployment.

After his service during WW II, Frank returned to Philadelphia where he resumed work with SKF Industries, continued his studies in Mechanical Engineering and Art, and married Catherine Sulimay in 1952. Frank supported local theater by building and painting sets for the Central Players’ live theater productions.

Frank was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, he loved tailgating at the Eagles games, following and watching the Phillies and the Sixers. Frank frequently made long road trips to follow the Flyers, even to go as far as Canada to cheer on his team! Frank mastered the art of calligraphy and was a self-taught artist. He enjoyed taking long Sunday drives thru small towns, the Poconos, and the Jersey Shore. His hobbies also included golf, bowling, and being a handyman/do-it-yourselfer; building cabinets, bookcases and other functional items for the home. Frank enjoyed a good Manhattan and loved making you one when you visited, with his secret ingredient.

Strong in his Catholic faith, Frank served his Church, Maternity B.V.M. as a reader, church carnival volunteer and he recorded the proceeds from Sunday collections, carnivals and weekly BINGO nights.

He was preceded in death by his son Francis, his sister Freda Nittinger and brothers John, Bernard and Joseph. He is survived by his wife Catherine (Sulimay) of over 68 years, his sister Mary Cranata, his children John (Mary) and Karen O’Neill (James) and grandchildren Daniel, Michael, Sarah, David Brady, and Michelle Barone (Joe.)

Memorial Mass on September 11, 2021 at 10 AM at Maternity B.V.M. Church in Philadelphia, PA

Frank supported our great Veterans through the www.woundedwarriorproject.com if anyone would like to make a donation in his honor.