Katherine Mitchell Whalen's Obituary
On October 24, 2020 Katherine Mitchell Whalen died peacefully at her home in St Michaels MD. Kate was the beloved step chic of Kathleen Reitz (Marvin), Raymond (Mary), Joseph (Catherine), Susan Seboda (Earl), James (Ann) and Thomas; adored Aunt Katie of Catherine Gaffigan, Pamela Gaffigan (Linda Piepho), Michael Gaffigan (Laura ), Mitchell Gaffigan (Chris), Joseph Gaffigan (Jane) and James Gaffigan (Jeannie); grandmother, great grandmother and great aunt to many. Kate was predeceased by her beloved husband Neil Whalen, her cherished sister Marcia Mitchell Gaffigan, and dear cousin Rita Chadwick. Kate has been a treasured fixture on the Eastern Shore for decades where she has delighted family and friends with her wonderful personality, generosity, quick wit and fashionable outfits, most notably her hats and shoes.
Kate was born April 24, 1943 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Miriam and Judge Richard Mitchell. The family moved to Washington DC where her father served on the Interstate Commerce Commission. Kate attended Blessed Sacrament convent and boarded at Tuxedo Park School in NY. She made her debut alongside her cousin Rita in DC in 1961. Kate began her career as an assistant director in network television and later became an assistant producer where she developed her gift of interviewing, a skill that she would hold on to all of her life. She later opened an antique store in Kensington, MD where she developed her exceptional skill as a collector and decorator. Kate moved to Tilghman Island in 1978 and subsequently met Neil Whalen on a blind date on St. Patrick’s Day, 1980. They were married in 1981 and Kate became an instant mother to 6 children. Kate and Neil started their marriage in Rockville, returning to the Eastern Shore in 1996. A gifted entertainer, Kate brought joy to every occasion. Her Ladies to Lunch were legendary as was her bowling, Stich and Bitch club and ability to tip excessively. The world was a better place in Kate’s presence.
A viewing for family and friends will be held at Kate’s home on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 3:00 – 5:00pm, 8352 Lennep Lane, St Michaels, MD 21663. Please bring your favorite memory of Kate and a warm jacket since we will gather outside. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 10:00am at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1210 South Washington St, Easton, MD 21601, Although Sts. Peter & Paul is a large facility, please observe physical distance guidelines between family groups and wear masks when physical distance is not possible. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church 7906 Ocean Gateway Easton, MD. 21601 or the Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601, 410-822-6681, www.talbothospice.org/givingops.html.
We love you Kate.
What’s your fondest memory of Katherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Katherine?
Share a story where Katherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Katherine you’ll never forget.
How did Katherine make you smile?