Kathryn C. McMenamin

March 23, 1931 – March 24, 2016

Beloved woman, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, Kathryn Camilla “Kass” McMenamin went to the Lord on March 24, 2016 at 12:30 a.m., the day after her 85th birthday, of natural causes. She passed away peacefully at Shore Memorial Hospital surrounded by family members.

Born on March 23, 1931 in Saint Ludwig’s parish of the Brewerytown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kathryn Camilla Powers grew up in Philadelphia, attending J.W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School. She soon met the love of her life, James D. “Mac” McMenamin. Kass met Mac at the well-attended church-sponsored dances for teens in Philadelphia in the 1940s. There, they began their lifelong romance, and they cleared the dance floor wherever they went with their skillful and enthusiastic partner dancing. They married in 1946 and raised a beautiful family of six children.

James and Kathryn McMenamin were married for 57 years until Mac’s passing in 2003.

Kass, as she was known by all who loved her and whose lives she touched, is survived by her six children – Diane (Walter) Bainbridge of Temecula, California, Marcia (Barry) Davis of Ocean City, New Jersey, James McMenamin of Del Mar, California, Patrick McMenamin of Bainbridge Island, Washington (and grandchildren Patrick Jr., Grace and Liam), Kathryn McMenamin – (Ralph) Torres of Santa Rosa Valley, California and Tara (Jim) Beatie of Bainbridge Island (and grandchildren Ben and Natalie). In all, she was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Deborah (Michael) Downes of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania and many nieces and nephews.

Kass was loved by everyone who met her. Her charming personality, her cheerful outlook, her effortless ability to connect with people of all ages and walks of life and her incomparably beautiful blue eyes were true gifts. She was a tireless and inspirational family matriarch, always there for her family members through triumphs and setbacks.

She loved to cook for her large family and extra guests were always welcomed. She joked about performing “the miracle of the loaves and fishes” when unexpected family or friends arrived, because she always found a way to enhance her delicious meal so that everyone left satisfied.

Over the years, Kass contributed her time and energy to many charitable efforts. A devout Roman Catholic, she was a parishioner at Our Mother of Consolation in Philadelphia, St. Augustine’s (now St. Damien’s) in Ocean City, St. John Vianney and Cathedral Chapel in Los Angeles, and St. Cecelia’s on Bainbridge Island. She was a member of the Della Robbia Guild of the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles and President of the Assistance League of Southern California. Her husband’s career and charitable accomplishments were greatly enhanced by her worthy counsel. A highlight was when Kass was at Mac’s side as he received the honor of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Gregory by Pope John Paul at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Kass and Mac traveled every continent in the world except Antarctica.

She will be missed by all whose lives were touched by her warm smile, her infectious humor, her motherly care and her bright outlook on life. She is with God now and reunited with her beloved husband Mac.

Services will be at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Temecula and a memorial service in Kass’ honor will be held in May at St. Damien’s Church at 13th and Wesley Avenue in Ocean City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (1-800-FIGHT-CF) Delaware County Chapter, Maple Commons, 2004 Sproul Road, Ste. 208, Broomall, Pennsylvania, 19008, the American Cancer Society and Safe Alternatives for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) in Temecula, (safefamiliesca.org 951-587-3900).