Catharine Evans Reynolds
Catharine ‘Katie’ Evans Reynolds, a former resident of Wallingford (and later a resident of Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and Sanibel Island, Florida), died peacefully in her sleep at the Shell Point Retirement Community in Ft. Myers, Florida, on June 19, 2020. She was 88.
Katie was born on September 14, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Mary Jo and Harold Glen Evans, and raised in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, with her siblings, George and Nan. She was a graduate of Wyomissing High School, and was a member of the Class of 1953 of Smith College, where she roomed all four years with Hazel “Burt” Gray, who became a lifelong friend and godmother to one of her sons.
Katie married James Morsell Gassaway in 1954, and bore six children, one of whom, James Scott ‘Scottie’ Gassaway, passed away shortly after birth. The couple raised their children in Wallingford, Pennsylvania. Katie was very involved in her children’s activities, volunteered at their schools, and cheered them on at their athletic and school activities. She was a member of Swarthmore Episcopal Church, and of the Wallingford Swim and Tennis Club—where she was the club’s tennis champion. In the summer of 1972, Katie, Jim, and their children traveled out West in a Winnebago to see the national parks and friends and relatives across the country. That trip will always be a cherished memory.
Katie loved all God’s creatures, and the outdoors. She was an avid skier, swimmer, sailor, kayaker, biker, golfer, tennis player, and hiker; she loved walks on the beach and socializing with friends and family. She skied in Zermatt, Switzerland, at age 76, and body surfed in Stone Harbor just a few years ago. She also loved her Lord; she was a member of Wells Memorial Church in Avalon, New Jersey, and of Sanibel Community Church in Sanibel, Florida.
In 1981, Katie married Paul M. Pitts; they were married until his passing. She was then married to G. David Reynolds Jr. for 25 years.
Katie is survived by sons Nicholas of Seattle, Washington, Steven (Michelle) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeffrey of Mission, Kansas, John (Jill) of North East, Maryland, and Andrew of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; step-children Paul Pitts (Tena), Robert Pitts (Beth), Bill Reynolds (Russi), David Reynolds (Louise), Debbie McGlynn (Steve), and Jeffrey Reynolds. She adored her 28 grandchildren and looked forward to meeting her 14 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank friend and companion Cesi for her love and devotion to their mom over the last few years.
Katie was predeceased by James M. Gassaway, Paul M. Pitts, and G. David Reynolds Jr., and by James Scott ‘Scottie’ Gassaway, Dickson Pitts (Katie), and Patty Pitts (Paul).
Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 30, in the Historic Chapel of the Sanibel Community Church, at 10:30 a.m.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to your favorite charity in Katie’s name.
