Katherine Wilson McNeilly's Obituary
Katherine "Kit” Wilson McNeilly, age 81 of Rehoboth Beach, DE passed away peacefully at The Moorings in Lewes on Sunday, May 19, 2024. She was born on January 13, 1943 in Oil City, PA, the daughter of the late Henry "Harry” I. B. Wilson and Elizabeth "Betty" Ross Wilson.
Kit graduated from Mansfield Senior Highschool in Ohio and then furthered her education at Stephens College and The Ohio State University. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Until the day she passed away she knew all the words to the Kappa songs and Ohio State’s fight songs. In 1967 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the arts. She met Custis Wright McNeilly at the Winding Beam in Rehoboth Beach and they were married at Christ Episcopal Church in Dover, DE on November 26, 1966. Kit and Mick would spend the next 57 years creating beautiful memories and raising their family.
Kit worked for Lord and Taylor in New York City, as a Buyer, and Bedford Green Antiques, in Bedford, NY as an interior designer. She was a prolific artist in water colors, oils, and pastels with numerous paintings on display in the Art League. Kit was a loving wife and devoted mother and it brought her great joy raising her 3 children of whom she was most proud. Kit dedicated her life to her family and creating a warm and welcoming home for all.
Kit was always active in her community. She was a longtime member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, a member of Rehoboth Art League, and the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. She was on the board of directors at the Henlopen Art League. Kit was also active member of St. John's Church in South Salem, NY, St. George's Church in Newburgh, NY and All Saints Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE. She served these parishes in various capacities such as a Vestry member at times even Wardon.
Kit's passions were as varied as they were deep. She loved summering on St. Louis Street in Rehoboth by the Sea her entire life. She especially enjoyed celebrating the Independence Day holiday with family and friends at the beach. Whether sharing stories of the past, serving her community, or simply enjoying the company of her loved ones, her presence was a source of warmth and wisdom. Kit was a shining light in the lives of so many and her bright blue eyes and beautiful smile, exuberance and presence will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have had her in their lives.
Kit is survived by her beloved husband, Custis "Mick" Wright McNeilly; her children: Charles W. McNeilly and Kristi of Severna Park, Maryland; COL Henry "HIB" I. B. McNeilly and Rebecca of McLean, Virginia, and Elizabeth C. McNeilly of Missoula, Montana; her grandchildren: Holly Gwyn, Samuel Ross, Jacqueline Ann, and Henry Irving Beers.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at All Saint Church, 18 Olive Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, where friends and family are welcome beginning at 10:00 AM.
Interment will be private at Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery, in Dover, DE.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in Kit's name to the Alzheimer's Association by visiting https://www.alz.org/ and/or The Rehoboth Beach Art League https://www.rehobothartleague.org/support/donate/
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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