Catherine “Kay” Carlin

October 25, 1938 - August 29, 2025

St. John Neumann Church

380 Highland Lane

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Friday 9/5, 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Calvary Cemetery of West Conshohocken

2025 Old Gulph Rd

Conshohocken, PA 19428

(610) 525-2214 |

Friday 9/5

St. John Neumann Church

380 Highland Lane

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Friday 9/5, 11:15 am

Catherine Carlin
Catherine “Kay” Carlin, 87, formerly of Newtown Square, PA, wife, mother, grandmother, and incredibly kind and giving person, died August 29 from age-associated decline.
Known for her kindness and willingness to feed an entire neighborhood on short notice, she eventually became known as “Special Kay” to all who knew her. While in Nursing school, she met her husband, Leo Carlin, on a blind date, and they raised seven children while also maintaining a family business. Special Kay poured herself into her children, preparing customized meals and homework help for years. She volunteered at her children’s schools, drove to practices and games, took her mother and aunt to live in her home, and she even set a place at dinner every night for a neighbor. She had an infectious laugh, told a great story, served her community, and her favorite pastime was spoiling her grandchildren.

The youngest of two children, Mrs. Carlin was born on October 25, 1938. She graduated from Hallahan high school in 1957 and from the Nursing program at Misericordia University in 1959. That same year on December 26, 1959, Mrs. Carlin married the love of her life, Leo Carlin, who passed nearly two years ago.

She is survived by her seven children and their spouses – Lizanne (Carlin) and Robert Konjarvich, Leo and Suzanne (Goggin) Carlin, Clayton and Kathleen (Donovan) Carlin, Corinne (Carlin) and Clifford Strauss, Christopher and Alyson (Akin) Carlin, Laurence and Stephanie (Haller) Carlin, Carrie (Carlin) and Michael Sarmento – and 22 grandchildren who know her as their beloved “Grandmom.”

Visitation with the family is on Friday, September 5, from 9:30am-11am, followed by her funeral mass at 11:15am ALL IN CHURCH at St. John Neuman Church (380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA). Interment Calvary Cemetery.

Donations in the name of Mrs. Catherine Carlin may be made to the Eagles Autism Foundation: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation/

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St. John Neumann Church

380 Highland Lane

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Map

Friday 9/5, 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Calvary Cemetery of West Conshohocken

2025 Old Gulph Rd

Conshohocken, PA 19428

(610) 525-2214 | Map

Friday 9/5

St. John Neumann Church

380 Highland Lane

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Map

Friday 9/5, 11:15 am

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So sorry to hear about Special Kay who lived an incredible life and made a huge impact with so many, including myself. Her warmth, friendliness and care for others was contagious. Her faith and family always came first...a life well lived! God Bless the entire Carlin family! Love, Rich & Shelley Gannon

I am very sorry for your loss. The Carlin Family are wonderful folks and have always been kind and supporting of my family and so many others. God Bless!

Mt heartfelt sympathy to the Carlin family. It was my privilege to teach the sons of Leo and Kay, superb parents, a truly dynamic superb couple. Any person who was blessed to know Kay came to revere her. Her impact and that of Leo left impressions that will last well beyond their passing. I send my love and support to the family. Henry V. Bender

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May your beautiful mom rest in eternal peace. Sending all our love. The Agostinelli family

I am very sorry for the Carlin family's loss. Mrs. Carlin was always a kind and generous presence, with a welcoming smile. Clearly, these were closely held family values as they were shared by Mr. Carlin and her sons, Clayton and Leo, with whom I went to high school. Keeping all the Carlins in my thoughts on her passing.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Condolences to the whole family for your loss. May her memory be an eternal blessing for you.

Lizanne, was just reminiscing @ super fun times with you, and your Mom so vital in thoughts. We always had Cookies, right?? Running races in back yard with ur DAD.. best days ever at your home. Hug

Wonderful memories of "Mrs. C". What a great lady, mom and example for all of us at St. Matthias. Thoughts and prayers for all of the Carlin Family

I am so sorry for your loss. May you always keep memories of her close to your heart. St. Matthias and her kind smiles are my memories. Will keep you all in my prayers.

So very sorry for your loss. Kay was always cheerful when she came to Strawbridge and Clothier to visit Lizanne or to shop. She always had time to talk with me at the counter. She will truly be missed. Fondly Mary and John Lentz

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Catherine “Kay” Carlin

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