Catherine M. (Mulrooney) Harkins

Catherine Mulrooney Harkins, 93, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 surrounded by her family.  She was born on St. Patrick’s Day 1922 and lived in Wilmington all of her life. 

Catherine graduated from Wilmington High School and worked as a switchboard operator at The Bell Telephone Company before becoming a full time homemaker.  She loved to read, especially Mary Higgins Clark novels, watch Jeopardy, and pray.

Catherine was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, William J. Harkins in May 2010.  In addition, she was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Margaret Haley Mulrooney; and all of her siblings, John Mulrooney, Mary Mulrooney, and Margaret Luciano.

Catherine is survived by her five devoted children, Kathleen M. Trzcinski (Ronald) of Newark, William J. Harkins, Jr. (Irvin Lippman) of Boca Raton, FL, Thomas Harkins (Anne) of Palm Harbor, FL, Stephen G. Harkins of Wilmington, and Jane Harkins Jones (Brad) of Newark. 

She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren, Melanie M. Burridge (Josh) of Landenberg, PA, Eric R. Trzcinski (Erin) of Middletown, Michael T. Harkins of Palm Harbor, FL, Allison T. Harkins of Seattle, WA, Christopher J. Harkins of Wilmington, Maribeth Witkowski (Chris) of Hershey, PA, Kimberly Eisenreich (Eric) of Wallingford, CT, Matthew Harkins of Newark, Jack Harkins of Newark, Caitlin E. Jones of Boston, MA, Haley A. Jones of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Kyle B. Jones of Newark.  Four great grandchildren also survive her, Clayton and Nathan Burridge of Landenberg, PA, and Eric and Ella Trzcinski of Middletown.  Catherine is also survived by several nieces and nephews, especially Jeanne M. Luciano; and a dear neighbor, Barbara Grzybowski.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at the Brackenville Care Center for their kindness to our mother.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Tuesday, August 4 from 9:00-10:00AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton Streets, Wilmington at 11:00AM.  Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Catherine may be made to St. Elizabeth Church, 809 S. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.

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