Katherine Whittle Turner of Kennett Square was born on July 4, 1951, and died unexpectedly on her birthday, July 4, 2023. She was 72 years old. She was the daughter of the late Wilson Whittle and the late Elizabeth “Betty” Staller Whittle and lived her entire life in the Kennett area.

She was the adored wife of William J. Turner, and they would have been married for 30 years on Jan. 7, 2024. They’d known each other since they were 10 years old. Katherine is also survived by one son, Matthew Grieco and his wife Sherry of Kennett Square; one daughter, Susan Grieco of Lincoln University; six grandchildren, Jordan, Wilson, and Peyton Grieco and Sydney (Austin), Sabrina, and Logan Rundle; two stepsons, Joshua Turner and his wife Amy Watson (and their boys Wyatt and Nolan) and Benjamin Turner, all of Vinalhaven, Maine; one brother, Jeffrey Whittle and his wife Carolyn of Kennett Square; one niece Leslie Brewer and her husband David (and their three sons) of Kennett Square and one nephew, Scott Whittle and his wife Gina (and their three sons) of West Chester.

Katherine loved animals (sometimes more than people) but for those that she called her friends, she was a fierce one. She would go out of her way to help her friends. Over her lifetime she raised many puppies that were prized by their respective owners.

She lived with Bill in Landenberg, on Bucktoe Road in Kennett Square, and their most recent home in Bucktoe Hills in Kennett Township. She loved to garden and entertain and was a consummate host. Some of their parties were legendary and always on July 4. When they first arrived at their Landenberg house, they shared stories of their annual “church picnics.” After some initial hesitation, the neighbors quickly learned these picnics included good food, great people, and a lot of fun.

Spending time with her family was what she liked best, but the COVID era made that difficult. She and Bill sequestered themselves at home and didn’t socialize much. She was looking forward to the summer to have fun with family and friends and to see the world again. Her marriage to Bill was her fourth, and most know her history. She told many that she saved the best for last.

You are invited to visit with Katherine’s family and friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday, July 15, at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 N. Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Her Life Celebration ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. and the family is requesting that attendees wear comfortable spring and summer attire to honor Katherine’s love of bright colors. Interment will follow in the church memorial garden. Contributions in her memory may be made to LaMancha Animal Rescue online at https://www.lamanchaanimalrescue.org/donate

Arrangements are by her son, Matthew J. Grieco, of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100). Condolences may be shared at www.griecofunerals.com