Kathleen Marie Ferris

Kathleen (Katie) Marie Quillivan Ferris, age 77, of Wilmington, DE., daughter of George and Bertha Birt Quillivan, lovingly raised with the help of her devoted aunts, Maime Quillivan and Abigail Logullo, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025 surrounded by her daughters.

Katie leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion that will never fade. She is survived by her beloved daughters Stephanie Ferris (George Parker) and Sara Santana (Jose); cherished grandchildren Blaize Waynant (Elise Rizzi), Rory Waynant (Haley), Griffin Santana (Rachel), and Athena Santana; and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her first great-grandchild.

She is also survived by her brother George Quillivan (Peggy), sisters Mary Jean Episcopo and twin Eileen Grant (Charles). Katie held a special place in her heart for her devoted niece Michelle Quillivan and nephew Peter Manlove, and her spirit lives on in the many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by in-laws Albert Episcopo and Elaine Shumway.

Katie grew up in the 40 Acres neighborhood, attended St. Ann’s School, and graduated from Padua Academy. She was immensely proud of her 50-year career with DuPont, where she built enduring friendships and a legacy of dedication and loyalty.

In retirement, Katie embraced life fully—traveling extensively, volunteering at St. Mary Magdalen Church, and spending time with the people she loved most.

Katie will be remembered for her warmth, her open heart, and her joyful zest for life. She welcomed everyone she met with kindness and without judgment, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her light continues to shine through her family, her friends, and the extended Ferris family she cherished so deeply.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Delaware Hospice for their exceptional care.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 pm. Interment will be private. At the family request, please wear bright and joyful colors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice in Katie’s memory.

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Jennifer Wheeler writes,

Words don't say enough but I am hoping you find peace in this hard time. You and your family are in my thoughts.

11/05/2025 12:55 pm

Ingrid writes,

Kate. Your love and respect will always follow you Love and blessings, God will always be with you. Love Ingrid

11/05/2025 08:47 pm

George Quillivan writes,

But since it fell unto my lot That I should rise and you should not I gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all. - The Parting Glass From the QUILLIVAN FAMILY in Delaware, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama

11/06/2025 07:33 am

Lew Watson writes,

So sorry to hear. Kate was always a kind upbeat person. At work she was engaging and nice. Rest in peace my friend.

11/06/2025 08:03 am

Larry Gardner lit a candle and writes,

Had the pleasure to work with Kate at DuPont. Rest in Peace.

11/06/2025 08:06 am

GEE JOSEPH lit a candle and writes,

Deepest condolences to the family of Kate. Kate was a kind and loving colleague. When I started with DuPont in 1998 Kate was one of the first colleagues I met and she went out of her way to help me to get familiar with the sites and people and was always so helpful. She will be deeply missed. Praying for the grieving family. May the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our sorrow, be with you all and fill your hears and minds with the peace that surpasses all understanding and cover you with His immeasurable grace. Gee

11/06/2025 09:12 am

Mary Ellen King writes,

Dear Eileen & Family, Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Katie (St.Ann’s classmate, Padua classmate & Forty Acre friend)! Eileen, you and Katie hold a very special place in my heart! I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers! Sincerely, Mary Ellen Ackerman King

11/06/2025 11:51 am

Sue Emmons writes,

We're so very sorry to learn of Kate's passing. Kate was always so upbeat and lived life to the fullest. She was an amazing woman. Our deepest sympathies to you family. Sue and Bill Emmons

11/06/2025 02:08 pm

Carol Budynkiewicz writes,

May Christ welcome Kate into His eternal peace. Her kindness and her friendship were gifts I was blessed to share with her during our many years working together. Even after she retired we could connect for lunch, it was such a joy to be with her. I will miss her deeply. May God hold her family close and bring them comfort, strength, and peach in the day ahead.

11/06/2025 03:57 pm

Bill and Cecilia Abernathy [email protected] writes,

So sorry to hear of Katie's passing. She was a good friend and she and her sisters and I all went to St. Ann's together. My prayers are with her and her family. Cecilia Dougherty Abernathy

11/06/2025 07:12 pm

Kathryn Poppiti writes,

My deepest condolences to the family. Kate was a wonderful woman and I was honored to know her.

11/06/2025 11:11 pm

Carol Emory Klemm writes,

Loved Kate's ready smile and acceptance of all equally. Wish we could have enjoyed her company a little longer. With love and best to her lovely family, both inner and extended.

11/07/2025 01:06 pm

Helen McMahon lit a candle and writes,

Dear Eileen and family - I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Kate and want to extend my heartfelt condolences. It was truly a pleasure working with Kate at DuPont. She genuinely cared and lifted everyone up to the next level of success. Kate was a wonderful mentor and true friend. We had a lot of fun working, learning, and laughing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate through this challenging period. May Kate rest in the embracing arms of our Lord. Rest in Peace, Kate. I will miss you, dear Kate. With deepest sympathy, Helen McMahon

11/07/2025 04:07 pm

Shirley Stewart Rash writes,

Kate was a great mentor when I joined the Safety department. She was always fun to work with. She was a good person and friend. I wish peace for her and her family.🙏🙏🙏

11/08/2025 06:19 pm

Mark S. Ayers writes,

Dear Eileen and Pete, So sorry for the loss of your sister and Pete’s Aunt. Sending prayers and condolences. 🙏

11/09/2025 03:15 pm

Vincent J. O'Neill writes,

Hello Eileen. I was sorry to read of the loss of your Twin sister. To be honest, I never realized you had a twin. If you had told me, I apologize. Please accept my condolences to you and the rest of your family. Vince O'Neill

11/09/2025 05:04 pm

Lori Citro writes,

This is such sad news. Kate was the sweetest. I spent many days at her home teaching her daughter, Sara piano and also working with Kate at DuPont. I was looking forward to seeing her in December at our annual get together. Rest in Peace, Kate!

11/14/2025 03:47 pm

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