Catherine “Kay” Brewer (Knapp) 85 years young, died on Sunday April 23, 2017 at home in Sparta, N.J. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, great love for her family, and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through the last few months of declining health.
Kay was born November 15th, 1931in Elizabeth N.J. and lived there for many years. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Alice Knapp. Upon her retirement in 1996, she began a new chapter in her life and moved to Sparta.
Kay was the beloved mother of Timothy (Linda), Patricia Convey (Raymond) Kenneth (Pauline), Edward (Luci) and Kathleen Fernandez (Anthony). She was the adored grandmother of Kelly Palmisano (David), Kevin, Tracy, Holly and William Brewer, Justin Fernandez, Laura Convey, Matthew Brewer, Alyssa Fernandez and Andrew Brewer. One of her most recent joys was the addition of a great granddaughter Chloe Katherine Palmisano.
She is survived by her sisters, Margaret and Jeanne as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Richard and James Knapp. Kay had a large circle of friends that kept her young at heart and was incredibly grateful for her friendship with Eileen Francis.
She was employed for many years at Elizabeth General Hospital in Elizabeth and she retired from Best Foods (Unilever).
She was a devout Catholic and an active member of St Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Sparta, where she was a Eucharistic Minister and the recipient of the Vivere Christus Award. She and other members of that parish attended the canonization of St. Kateri in Rome in 2012. While living in Elizabeth, Kay and her family were parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church where she was president of the Rosary Society. She was one of the first graduates of Immaculate’s grammar school. Kay graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Elizabeth in 1949. She was a member of their Hilltoppers Club and enjoyed their many luncheons and group travels especially Ireland.
Kay was a member of Sparta Seniors, loved Tuesday cards and to her grandchildren’s immense pride won many gold medals as part of Sparta Senior Olympics. Rubber chicken throwing has truly lost a champion! She was blessed to have traveled to many parts of Europe and the U.S. with her many friends.
She was absolutely happiest when surrounded by her family. MomMom was always glad to attend her grandchildren’s activities and events even when she didn’t get the best seat in the house. Now she will always have a bird’s eye view! The beach at Cape May with all of her family was her idea of heaven on earth!
Friends may call today, Tuesday, 4-8pm at the Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871. A funeral mass will be held at 11am Wednesday at St. Kateri Church, 427 Stanhope Rd, Sparta, NJ 078671
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