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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Katherine L. Mell

Katherine L. Mell, 90, passed away on October 21, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. Kay is survived by her son, Donald C. Mell III of Wilmington, Delaware (Jeanne), her daughter, Elizabeth Mell of Charleston, South Carolina, and her sister, Mary L. Laub of Akron, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Donald C. Mell, Jr.

Kay was born in 1933 in Akron, Ohio to Doris Holmes and Water Ellis Lyon. As a child in Akron, she attended Old Trail School. She graduated from Connecticut College in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature.

After college, she worked at F. Schumacher & Co. in New York, where she was able to tap into her love of art and style. New York was never very far for Kay, as she often returned to attend performances at the American Ballet Theatre.

Kay had a keen interest in art, art history and antiques. She volunteered with the Junior League of Wilmington, as a docent at Winterthur, and on committees for the Philadelphia Antiques Show catalogue. A member of Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Kay volunteered for many years with the church’s annual Green Show. In addition to travelling, Kay loved being outdoors and active. She was an avid gardener, walker, skier, tennis player and golfer.

Funeral Services

Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Condolences

    CHARLIE WEYMOUTH WEYMOUTH writes,
    Don ! Please accept my condolences at this loss. Lest we forget, she was always that faithful Partner to Your Father at our College events and She that One that not only helped bring our College President to Wilmington but actively engaged in timely discussions.
    10/28/2024 07:31 am
    JAMES MCDONALD writes,
    Our sincere condolences .Kay was a good friend and neighbor . So sorry for your loss. James McDonald Family.
    10/28/2024 10:48 am
    Amy McDonald Larnick writes,
    I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was so lively and energetic to be around. And your mom had a real green thumb. Her vegetable gardens were beautiful! I'll always remember the fun times our families shared as neighbors, but more importantly, as friends. I hope you take comfort that she's reunited with your dad. Wishing you healing and peace. ~ Amy McDonald Larnick
    10/28/2024 04:59 pm
    Matthew John Jamison lit a candle and writes,
    Don, I'm sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. Hopefully you and your family are doing as well as possible. It sounds as if your Mother lived quite a life, and I'm sure she was very proud of you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the good Lord be a comfort to you. Respectfully, Matt
    10/29/2024 09:20 am
    Amelia Welch-Wierzbicki writes,
    I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your Mom, Kay. She was a delightful and charming lady. I know you will miss her.
    10/31/2024 07:34 pm
    Danielle & Kevin Sullivan writes,
    Don & Jeanne: Please accept our regards following the loss of Kay. A full life with family, art and activity. You both carry on her record of helping out in the community.
    11/03/2024 08:16 pm

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