Catherine Kearns-Edwards, 81, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025.
Cathy was born on November 30, 1943, just prior to World War ll at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Captain Thomas Callahan and his wife, Catherine. She grew up the oldest of six siblings, all brothers, in Havertown, Pennsylvania, attending Archbishop Prendergast High School in Upper Darby. She carried a lifelong appreciation for all things Irish, with a particular love for Irish music that brightened every gathering.
As a homemaker in Philadelphia in the 1970’s, Cathy’s home was filled with love and warm holiday gatherings, which always featured an annual trip to the St. Patrick’s Day parade in center city followed by festivities at the Commodore Barry Irish American Club in Mount Airy. As her children grew, she pursued a civilian career in government service, eventually filling the role of Freedom of Information Officer at the Naval Support Center in Northeast Philadelphia. She retired proudly from the U.S. Navy and embraced her well-earned retirement with joy. Her later years brought her to Florida and The Villages, where she met her loving husband, Douglas Edwards, and formed cherished friendships through a vibrant array of activities and clubs in Spanish Springs.
She is survived by Douglas; her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Deirdre and Michael O’Neill (Kevin and Matthew), Kevin and Colleen Kearns (Philip, Kathleen, and Gillian), Bridget Downey Eamonn, Torin and Rory, and Sean), Siobhan and Paul Hawthorne (Patrick), and Brendan and Maribeth Kearns (Julia, Logan, Grace, and Colin). She will also be deeply missed by her brothers, Patrick and Brian Callahan.
Cathy was predeceased by her first husband, Philip Kearns, a native of Ballyjamesduff, Cavan, Ireland, and her brothers, Thomas, Francis, and Joseph Callahan.
A life rich with love, music, and community, Cathy battled ovarian cancer bravely to the end, after supporting Doug through his own cancer journey. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and connection. Please join us in raising a cuppa tea or your favorite beverage to her and know that she shares this blessing to one and all, “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Donations in Cathy’s memory may be made to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (the pink sisters) at the Convent of Divine Love, 2212 Greene Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130-3197. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.