Obituaries
Dr. Katheryn Kelly Woodley, 82, of Northampton, died Thursday May 11 at Lehigh Valley Hospital with her family by her side. She was the wife of Thomas R. Woodley and would have celebrated 58 beautiful years of marriage this September. Born in Madisonville, TN, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Kathryn (McBride) Kelly.
Katheryn was deeply intelligent and driven, earning her PhD in Industrial Psychology, after achieving her bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Akron.
Much of Katheryn's long career was spent as a member of Penn State's faculty, teaching Adult Education and Management Development, a passion she happily continued past her official retirement, as her valuable contributions were sought after. At the time she began her programs in “Women in Management,” not only was she the only woman on the faculty, there were no similar programs in the entire state. Prior to her work with Penn State, she was employed with the American College of Life Underwriters and the American Institutes for Research. Katheryn was also an accomplished author, publishing a number of books on learning and adult education.
She was a very active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Allentown, graciously giving her time and talents to her church community.
Above all, she loved spending time with her family. She was a loving and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother and sister, unflagging in her devotion and generosity to her many friends and family. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
Surviving with her husband Thomas are her beloved son Thom Woodley and wife Sarah, and their children Violet, Webster, and Colette Woodley; brothers William Kelly and wife Betty, Neil (Mac) Kelly and wife Cheryl, sister Nancy (Susie) Lynch and husband David, brother-in-law Dr. Bruce Woodley, and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Molly, Jenny and Mary Lou Kelly.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to National Breast Cancer Foundation PO Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910 or to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068.
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