Katherine Strelecky

Katherine “Kay” Strelecky, 81, formerly of Pennsburg, passed away in the presence of her daughters on March 10, 2016, in Reston, VA. Kay, or Kate as she was known to family, was a daughter of the late Edwin and Anne (Bednar) Ashton of Oakdale, PA. She received degrees from Carlow College and The Catholic University of America before embarking on a career as a research scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She married Richard Strelecky and raised four children before returning to work in social services eventually retiring as the Director of the Upper Perkiomen Senior Center. She was predeceased by her husband in 1979 when he was a member of the Perkiomen School faculty. Kay was a community volunteer, lifelong gardener, avid reader, and lover of classical music and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed the company of her family, bus trips and theater with her friends, and the loving attention of her cat, Bill. She was a former member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Pennsburg. Surviving are children: Edwin and his friend Nanako, of New York City; David (Deborah) of Chatham, NJ; Marie (Scott) Schwartz, and Elizabeth Williams, both of Reston, VA; a brother: Peter (Barbara) Ashton, of Stockton, NJ; a sister: Margaret (John) Dick, of Fairlawn, OH; and grandchildren Julia, Kerrie, Adam, Lukas, and Theo. A Funeral Mass will be held on April 30, 2016 at 11 AM at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Pennsburg. Friends may call at the church from 10-11 AM. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Pennsburg, followed by a reception in celebration of her life. Friends and family are encouraged to honor her memory as they desire. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Kay’s name to CurePSP, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093 (online at https://give.psp.org/). To offer online condolences, please visit her “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.