Kathy A. (Mehl) Mashington

Kathy Mashington, age 63, of Wilmington, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 30, 2017. 

Kathy was born in Wilmington, DE to William Mehl and the late Mary Catherine Mehl. She attended St. Thomas the Apostle grade school, St. Elizabeth High School, and the Nursing School of Wilmington. After losing her sister Patti at a young age, Kathy knew early on that becoming a nurse was her calling in life, and she was a dedicated RN for over 30 years. 

Kathy was an avid gardener and those who knew her marveled at the beauty surrounding her home, and enjoyed the bounty of her vegetable garden each summer, of which she was so proud. She loved visiting the Delaware beaches from the time she was a young girl, taking trips with her mother and close family friends. As a young adult, she enjoyed good times in Dewey with friends, and as an adult with her husband and daughter, cherished family vacations to Lewes and Rehoboth; the beach was her happy place. She loved taking trips with her girlfriends to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and treasured their many girl’s nights and dinners. Though she never had the opportunity to visit Paris, she had a special place in her heart for all things French. 

Kathy had a huge heart, a fantastic sense of humor, and she forged special relationships with so many people she encountered throughout her life. She loved her daughter’s friends like they were her own and was blessed to have maintained friendships with people she knew as far back as kindergarten. Kathy and her husband lived in their home for over 20 years and were lucky to have neighbors who quickly turned from friends to family. As much as Kathy loved celebrating her own birthday (a quality she passed on to her daughter), she loved just as much to celebrate the birthdays and special events of those she loved around her. 

Above all else, Kathy adored and treasured her family and many friends. More than anything, she loved spending time with her beloved daughter, Ashley. Whether it was a girl’s trip to Rehoboth Beach, enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, shopping, or catching up on the phone at the end of the day, their bond was strong and unbreakable. They were not only mother and daughter, they were best friends. 

True to her big heart and giving spirit, Kathy was an organ donor, and the family is very thankful to Gift of Life for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time. 

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Thomas; her daughter Ashley Cooper (Adam); and father, William Mehl; as well as a multitude of cherished friends; and her two cats, Rusty and Max. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Catherine (Kate) Mehl; and sisters, Patti Mehl and Lisa SantaCruz (Mehl). 

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00pm on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, November 10, 2017 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 301 N. Bancroft Parkway. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to one of the various charities that were near and dear to Kathy’s heart: Forgotten Cats Inc, 4023 Kennett Pike, Suite 4023, Greenville, DE 19807; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950; The American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693; Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street NW, Washington DC 20006-3517; or the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, #205, New Castle, DE 19720.

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