On Sunday, July 28, Kathy Boulogne – beloved wife of Al – went to her heavenly reward from her St. Francis Hospital Hospice room. She was surrounded by her family and took this next step in life’s journey peacefully.
Kathleen Becht was born on March 30, 1948, in Brooklyn New York to Elena Whittle Becht and Philip Becht. When she was three, the Becht’s moved to Aiken, South Carolina. Her parents enrolled her in St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Kindergarten. One of her classmates was a boy named Alexander Boulogne. They weren’t on the best of terms through eighth grade.
The first romantic spark ignited at a CYO dance on March 20, 1966. They’ve been together ever since. They were married in Charleston SC on August 3, 1968. Al brought his bride to the Bronx New York where he was attending Fordham University. Kathy worked in the Bursar’s Office and was eventually promoted to Assistant Bursar. Al started working for DuPont on June 5, 1972, and moved with Kathy to Wilmington NC, Wilmington, DE, Singapore, and eventually back to Delaware. Along the way, they welcomed three children: Angela (1971), Al III (1975), and Alicia (1979).
Kathy worked for a bank in Aiken, for Fordham University, and for two Jewelry stores in Wilmington, DE. She was stay-at-home Mom until the kids were self-sufficient. She then spent some time working for Christiana Care Riverside Hospital as an Activity Assistant.
In 2006, she was chosen to be Delaware’s Mother of the Year and was installed in the Governor’s Mansion in Dover, DE. She held numerous volunteer roles for Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish including a stint as the Lead Sacristan.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Sylvia Jones. Kathy is survived by her siblings Rose Till and Philip Becht; children: Angie Gordon (Rob), Al Boulogne III (Renae), and Alicia Finn (Brian). Her 9 grandchildren: Kimberly Garber (Daniel); Kayla Clymer (Joshua); Abigail Gordon; Robbie Gordon; Alexander Boulogne IV; Rebecca Boulogne; Jake Stenzel; Briana Finn, and Skylar Finn. Her 5 great-grandchildren: Daniel Garber, Rylee Garber, Joshua Clymer, Lilly Clymer, and Marlee Gordon.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to ASPCA Guardians (aspca.org) or Save The Children (savethechildren.org/give).
Services will be held on Friday, August 2nd at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church; 4701 Weldin Road; Liftwood; Wilmington DE; 19803. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will be private. Details of the reception will be shared after Mass.
