Catherine Elizabeth Hill - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Catherine Elizabeth Hill

September 12, 1937 - May 2, 2019

Catherine Elizabeth Hill, age 81, of New Castle, DE, passed away at her home on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

Born in Newville, PA on September 12, 1937 to the late Herman and Lucy (Negley) Smith on September 12, 1937. Catherine was the oldest child born to the Smiths.

Catherine married Russell W. Hill (1927-1999) on August 20, 1955. In February 1956 she gave birth to David. During that year they decided to move to Delaware. In April 1957, Karen E. (Hill) Wray (d. 2018) was born and in September 1958, Joyce Ann. In November 1961, John E. was born. During this time they resided in the city of Wilmington. In November 1964, the family moved to Manor Park in New Castle, DE. Catherine was a homemaker during this time. Always busy with kids, cooking, sewing, ironing and catching up on the soaps. In October 1967, Ellen M. (Garrett) was a surprise addition to the family. Once Ellen was in school, Kate made the decision to go back to a paying job. She was a clerk at the Manor Park Eckerd Drugs until they moved to the Basin Road location in the early 80’s. She remained there (Rite-aid) until retiring in 2007.

There was never a time that there wasn’t enough food on the table, you would think she was serving an entire army barrack. It didn’t matter if there was two or all seven of the family, we ate all meals at the dining table. Kate enjoyed family gatherings and trips. She loved going back to Newville to visit her family. Her first airplane ride was to Las Vegas and boy was she a Chatty Cathy. She visited the Grand Canyon during this trip and was amazed of the beauty. There were trips to Niagara Falls, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsport, Jamestown and the Delaware beaches. There was one summer in the early 70’s to the Jersey Shore. A husband that got sun poisoning, five kids in a small motel room for a week, she was made of steel.
Kate’s macaroni & cheese and lasagna will never be duplicated. Whenever there was an event, that Mac n Cheese was always requested. There were always animals in Kate’s life. Dogs, cats, a pet pigeon and always willing to take a stray or someone’s pet that were no longer able to be with them. She not only let four-legged boarders share her home, over the decades her door was always open to her children, grandkids or sometimes near strangers. She was a better person than most of us will ever wish. Kate had to suffer through not only the loss of her husband, but of her daughter. During the past seven years she cared for Karen even as her own health was failing and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Her son David, provided home care to both Karen and Catherine during their long illnesses. Catherine made the decision to come home for the last time. She was tired of the revolving door of the hospital and rehab centers. When she was told that she was coming home, she perked up and was smiling. Once she was home, she was visited by her loved ones. A special thank you to John McFarlane, Linda Hill, Tammy Sue and Jeremy Eller. Matthew Wray and Samantha (Hill) McFarlane spent the last hours caring for their grandmother.

Catherine is survived by sons, David W. and John E. (Linda); daughters,  Joyce A. and Ellen Garrett (Richard); sisters, Shirley (Boyd), Patsy (Souders) and Arlene (Eberly); grandchildren, Eric, John Jr, Steven, Matthew, Samantha, Hira, and Nicholas; and great grandchildren, Daniel, Catherine Ann, John John, Zachary and McKinlee.  She was preceded by her brothers, Robert and Richard.

Her advice to all of us, never leave your bed not made and NEVER leave home without lipstick.                 

All services will be held privately.

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13 Condolences for Catherine Elizabeth Hill

  • To the greatest Mom 🌟 I love you!

    Joyce Ann

  • Hill Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Cate for many years. She was always smiling

    Martha Yetter

  • I knew Kate from Her Daughter Karen plus I grew up in Leedom est. I knew Kate From Eckerds when I use to go there all the time. She always treated me Good & was a good friend. She’s at peace now no more Suffering. My thoughts & Prayers go out to The Family…

  • You have been a good neighbor and family friend you will be missed

  • Nana I will miss you very much and you will be in my heart always and forever

  • Nana you was great lady we got very close and I will miss you very much and I will always love you I will always have you in my heart

  • Sending condolences to Kate’s family. I worked with Kate for awhile at Eckerd’s. She was such a nice person. Sorry for your loss.

  • Mom 💞 I can’t believe how much I miss you 💞 You will always be in my thoughts 💞 Love 💞 Joyce Ann

  • So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Aunt Kate, so sorry you had to suffer the last few years of your life. That should never have happened to someone as kind and gentle as you. I hope you have found Karen in Heaven, you both have regained your health, and are keeping everyone in line up there. You will be always be kindly thought of by me, Jeff, and Shirley. Rest in peace.

  • Sorry I was late mom. I love you mom aways forever and always in my heart
    Love Dave

  • I will always miss you. You will.always be remember never forget you your a wonderful woman
    Love always
    Marge Torres

  • To a great woman u will always be remember by all and never forgotten i love you and will miss you
    Love Erica Anderson