Catherine “Kitty” LeNoir

Catherine “Kitty” LeNoir, age 96, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 4, 1928, to the late Joseph and Julia (Peak) Duffy, Kitty grew up in Newark, Delaware after spending her early years in Darby, Pennsylvania. A proud graduate of Newark High School, she was a spirited member of the cheerleading squad and carried that same joyful enthusiasm throughout her life.

After graduation, Kitty worked briefly at Chrysler before volunteering her time at St. Francis Hospital. In May of 1949, she married the love of her life, Jim LeNoir, and together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage in New Castle, raising a beautiful family and building a home filled with love, laughter, and tradition.

Family was the heart of Kitty’s world. She took great pride in caring for her six children—three sons and three daughters—and later, her 18 beloved grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Sundays were sacred in her home, where generations would gather after Mass to spend time together, enjoying her warmth, stories, and sense of fun. Ever a little mischievous, Kitty delighted in singing made-up ditties to her grandchildren, who will always cherish those playful, musical memories.

She will be remembered for her deep devotion to her family, her lighthearted spirit, and the unwavering love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the laughter and closeness of her family.

Kitty is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Andrew LeNoir, and her great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Pettis.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Rose; her six loving children: Mary Ann DiSabatino (Guy), Karen Sammons (Jeff), Andrew LeNoir (Cindy), Dennis LeNoir (Diane), Brian LeNoir, and Nanette Tafelski; eighteen cherished grandchildren: Erin (Dan), Lauren (Vince), Jessica, JD (Tiffany), Caitlin (Eric), Sarah (Luke), Ashley (Jake), Jeffrey (Megan), Kevin (Erica), Kelly Ann, Collin, Mary Catherine (Johnny), Juliana, Alicia, John, Courtney, Kristin, and Joseph; and fourteen adored great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 pm on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, at the address listed above or online by clicking here; or to the National Down Syndrome Society, 1155 15th NW, Suite 540, Washington, DC 20005 or online by clicking here.