Catherine "Kitty" Wright

Catherine “Kitty” Wright, 85, of Pennside, passed away at home on September 23, 2025. 

Born in Reading on May 2, 1940, to the late Frederick J. and Catherine M. Didyoung, she was predeceased by her husband, Robert; two brothers, Robert and Gerald Didyoung; and two sons, Harry and Frederick Wright. 

Kitty graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School (CCHS) in 1958, earned a B.A. in Education and History from Holy Family College in 1962, and received an M.A. in History from Villanova University in 1964. 

She is survived by five children: Catherine “Kate” Bobb (wife of Matthew), Robert Wright Jr. (husband of Julie Bobb), Matthew Wright (husband of Camille Fallon), Peter Wright (husband of Alison Cole), and Andrew Wright (husband of Amy Hannahoe). She also leaves 14 grandchildren: Bronwyn Wright-Rivera (partner Daniel Rivera), Rhiannon Wright (partner Cameron Wygent), Juliana Coleman (wife of Sean Coleman), Emma Wright (wife of Nathan Kraus), Sophia Wright, Chloe Wright, Benjamin Wright and Stella Wright, Jacob Bobb, Riley Wright, Madeline Wright, Mia Wright, Cecelia Wright, and Daniel Wright. Kitty had one great- grandchild, Katy Lou Coleman.

She is also survived by three Sisters: Patricia Wentling (wife of Donald), Margaret Giering (wife of Robert), and Elizabeth Hurleman.

Kitty taught elementary school in the Mt. Penn–Lower Alsace School District from 1964 to 1967. She was a life-long member of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in Mt. Penn. 

After raising her children, Kitty devoted her time to promoting Catholic education in Berks County. She volunteered as a tutor and served on the strategic planning committee and as school board president at St. Catherine’s Elementary School. At Reading Central Catholic, she was president of the Mothers’ Club and vice president of the advisory board. She also served as both president and vice president of the Allentown Diocesan School Board. At Alvernia University, Kitty served on the Board of Trustees for eight years and participated in several committees. Along with her husband, she was honored with the Alvernia Franciscan Award for service and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Reading Central Catholic High School. 

Kitty loved spending time with family and friends and formed many deep, lasting friendships in her community. A friend once described her as “a grandmother to many.” Devoted to her faith, she attended daily Mass and prayed weekly with her sisters and friends. Kitty enjoyed dining out, hosting “Cousins’ Days,” and vacationing with family. With her husband, she opened their home for “Train Parties,” New Year’s Eve gatherings, and countless holiday celebrations. 

A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Exeter Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be private at Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale.

Contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading, PA 19606. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com