Catherine L. Kelly (nee Wingate) “Kate” was born in Paisley, Scotland, Kate came to the United States in 1964 with her mother and father Catherine (nee Logan) Peter Wingate and her six brothers and sisters. Elizabeth Stout, Peter Wingate (Isabelle) and Brian Wingate (Carolyn) and the late Samuel Wingate, Sandra Singerline and David Wingate.
The family settled in Kearny, New Jersey, where Kate spent many years before eventually moving to Bridgewater.
She was a devoted wife to Thomas Kelly and mother of four children; Lisa Hulse (Henry), Joseph Shivers (Chrissie), Michael Kelly and the late David DeStefano. Granny to four grandchildren; Katie Fadeski (Danielle), Olivia DeStefano (Isaiah Williams), Molly Hulse and Noah Wohlsen and Great Granny to one great-grandson Tristan Williams. She also loved her doggies Moose and the late Sparky, Princess, Casey and Zeus. Kate spent her entire working life in the hospitality industry as a waitress and bartender. She was a hardworking woman who often worked multiple jobs to provide for her family, never hesitating to do whatever was necessary to take care of the people she loved. Her family was her world, and she would do absolutely anything for them. She loved fiercely, stood her ground, and had a way of doing things that was uniquely her own. With Kate, you always knew where you stood, and it was often “Granny’s way or no way!” A sign she proudly hung in her room that said just that!
Kate lived her life on her own terms, making no excuses and never pretending to be anyone other than herself. She was strong-willed, independent, creative, and a powerful force of nature. She loved music, gardening, and had a special talent for taking something old and giving it new life. Whether she was transforming a garage sale find into something beautiful or bringing new life to her garden, Kate had a creative spirit that was entirely her own.
Kate also had a huge heart for animals. She could never turn away a stray that needed a home, and there was always room in her heart for one more animal in need. If an animal needed love, care, or somewhere safe to land, Kate was there to provide it. Her compassion for animals was another reflection of the person she was: independent and strong-willed, but with a soft spot for those who needed someone to care for them.
Kate also had a gift for connecting with people wherever she went. She could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone, whether she was standing in line at Costco, running errands, or traveling somewhere new. It didn’t matter where she was; Kate would always find someone to talk to. She never met a stranger and had a way of turning an ordinary moment into a conversation. Her outgoing personality and willingness to talk to anyone were just another part of what made her so special and unforgettable.
One of Kate’s greatest gifts was her cooking. She was an incredible cook who had a way of bringing people together around the table. Everything she made, especially her famous chicken parm, was filled with love, and you could taste it in every bite. Her food was more than just a meal; it was one of the many ways she showed her family how much she cared. The memories of her cooking, the familiar tastes of home, and the love she put into every dish will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have shared her table.
Kate was truly one of a kind. She had a strength, a spirit, and a presence that could never be duplicated. She was a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, created beauty wherever she could, and lived life exactly as she wanted to. She smoked her Marlboro cigarettes, drank her Pepsi and Amstel Lights, and lived life to the fullest every day! She was never ordinary, never forgettable, and never replaceable.
There will never be another Kate. Our family will forever carry the lessons she taught, the memories she created, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the countless ways she showed her love. We will remember her conversations with strangers, her creativity, her love for animals, and the way she could turn a house into a home. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but the love she gave will remain with her family always.
Kate lived life her way, loved with her whole heart, and left her mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. She will be missed more than words can express and remembered forever for the remarkable, strong, creative, compassionate, and unforgettable woman and warrior she was.
And if there’s one thing we know about Kate, it’s that she always had the last word. So, in true Kate fashion, we’ll leave it to her one last time:
“Family is Family!”
