Cover photo for Catherine Gentile's Obituary
Catherine Gentile Profile Photo
1943 Catherine 2020

Catherine Gentile

October 7, 1943 — July 8, 2020

Catherine Ann “Kay” Gentile (nee McLaughlin) born on October 7, 1943 passed away peacefully on July 8, 2020 surrounded by her family.  She was the devoted wife of Jack and the loving mother of Jim (MaryAnn), Joanna (Dan), Michael (Linda), Jeannine (David) and Rob (Jennifer).  Kay was also the proud and adoring grandmother of twelve grandchildren Jaclyn, Michael, Jim, Brandon, Natalie, Julia, Gabrielle, Rob, Jenna, Jack, Bella and Anthony, and one great-grandchild Dylan.  She was pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Elizabeth McLaughlin, and brothers Michael (Mickey), Fran, George (Bucky) and David, and sister Elizabeth (Betty).  She is survived by brothers Jerry and Joe, and sisters Marge, Mary Ellen and Rosemarie (Rosie).

Kay’s life was completely centered around her family and she loved nothing more than to host large family gatherings at her home in Overbrook Farms where her cooking talents were always on full display.  Professionally, she worked as nurse.  Her path to becoming a nurse was far from traditional.  At the age of 32, with five kids at home ranging in age from 5 through 12, Kay decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse and attended night school to achieve this goal.  She received her nursing degree in 1979 and graduated at the top of her class.  She spent her career working at Lankenau Hospital and later as the school nurse for Friends’ Central School.  However, Kay would tell anyone that listened “Nursing was a hobby; taking care of my family was my job!”.

That is why she always made a point to say that her proudest achievement came when she was voted the “Best Grandmother in the World” each year by her grandkids during their annual pizza night with Grandma on the 14th Street beach in Ocean City, NJ.  Kay’s guidance, thoughtful insights and never-ending kindness will be missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to have her in their lives.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Sunday, July 12, 2020 4:00-8:00 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA and Monday, July 13, 2020 9:30-10:30 AM at Presentation BVM Church, 204 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA and to her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.  Interment is private.

Masks are to be worn to both the viewing and Funeral Mass and social distancing is to be observed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to Lankenau Hospital Pulmonary Department, 100 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA 19096 would be appreciated.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catherine Gentile, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Sunday, July 12, 2020

4:00 - 8:00 pm

The Donohue Funeral Home - Upper Darby

8401 West Chester Pike, PA 19082

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Visitation

Monday, July 13, 2020

9:30 - 10:30 am

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Funeral Mass

Monday, July 13, 2020

Starts at 10:30 am

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