Kathleen T. Corson

Kathleen T. Corson, nee Klein, respectfully also known as “Aunt”, “Mrs. C”, “Maw” or “Grammy”, peacefully passed away, in the comfort of her home, at the age of 86, surrounded by her children, on May 9^th, 2023.  

She is preceded in death by her husband Patrick J. Corson Sr., their two sons, John and Matthew; son-in-law Charles Schlernitzauer, and great-grandson Ace Penson. She is survived by her remaining sibling William Klein.

Kathleen was born February 19, 1937 and raised in the Wissinoming Section of Philadelphia. She graduated from Little Flower High School, then earned her cosmetology license. She worked as a beautician in downtown Philadelphia for a few years before meeting PJ, the love of her life, through an introduction from one of her brothers.

Kathleen and Pat eloped and were married May 25, 1957, in a small private ceremony. She began her family in the Pennypack Park Housing Association in Philadelphia.

Sights set on a bigger house, and after our dad’s hard work, they were able to purchase their forever home in West Mayfair with a mortgage of $80 a month. The row homes in West Mayfair were the most desirable section of Northeast Philadelphia to raise a family in. They were proud of this accomplishment. Throughout her early years, she was a home maker and raised her children, while PJ hustled three jobs to support their family.

Their home was always full of life and activity. As the youngest of seven children herself, she loved gathering with her siblings to spend quality time and bond. Her nieces and nephews were a remarkable and important part of her life.

Honoring her family values: she sent her seven children to Catholic schools; supported them in sports and endeavors; encouraged independence; and was proud of efforts of hard work and dedication.

Throughout the years, she suffered devastating loss of family and friends, though she never showed it. She was strong, compassionate and humble.

She opened her home, and her heart, to any misled and discarded friend in need. She left an impression on the lives of countless friends and neighbors.

She created a home where people felt comfortable to sit at her kitchen table and be themselves. That was her pride and joy, the epicenter of entertainment, the “go-to” place for a cold beer, sandwich, tall tale or a card game.

However, her greatest achievement and what brought her most joy, were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye. She and PJ would spend quality time with them and they spoiled them with love and affection. They would take them on vacations to Murphy’s Loft, Wildwood, or an overnight in a complimentary room at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. They traveled to attend as many events they as could. She was so proud and spoke highly of all their individual accomplishments.

In 2009, she lost the love of her life, after 51 years of marriage. PJ was her everything. She was lost. She had dedicated her life to raising her family, enjoying her grandkids and partying with friends and neighbors. She continued to cope the best she could. The love for her grandchildren and anticipation of great grandchildren kept her going.

The last few years she suffered multiple health issues, but she stood strong. Through it all, she wore her red lipstick and maintained her fiery red hair and smile.

Mom wouldn’t want grief or regrets of her passing, that wasn’t her style. Please have faith she is peacefully at rest with her husband and baby boys.

Kathleen leaves behind her seven children: Donna, Patrick Jr., (Barbara Miano), James Hood (Michelle Yeager), Kathleen (Charles Schlernitzauer), Rene, Kelly, Kerri (Robert Gorzoch); thirteen grandchildren Donna (Dan Slover), Bob, Kristen (Dave), Kieran (Ashley), Conner (Stacy McGregor), McCalee (Markus), Spenser, Kerri (Dave McBride), Matt, Shea (Shawn), Kiara, Stephen and Olivia; and had the gift of seven beautiful great-grandchildren: Khloe, David, Dominic, Hudson, Wrenley, Baker and Graham.

Family and friends are invited to attend her memorial visitation on Tuesday May 16, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Church at 9:30am followed by a Catholic mass at 10:30am.

In lieu in flowers, our mother’s wishes were donations to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children be made in her name at www.stjude.org.