Kathleen "Kay" Minner

Kathleen “Kay” Minner, 99, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at Simpson Meadows Retirement Community in Downingtown, PA. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, Kay’s life was defined by love, caring for others, faith, and a spirit of adventure.

Born in Farmington, Delaware, to the late Wilmer “Mike” Collison and Nellie Rust Collison, she spent most of her life in Harrington before moving to Downingtown to be near her daughter. She married Harold Bailey Minner in 1943, and together they built a beautiful life over 54 years. She worked as a skilled seamstress at the Harrington Shirt Factory before transitioning to retail at the National 5&10, where she enjoyed connecting with her community. She was a proud Delawarean.

Kay embraced life’s adventures, traveling to all 50 states, Mexico, and Canada. She and Bailey spent summer vacations at the family cottage on Primehook Beach, enjoying clamming and crabbing, and winters in the Florida Keys. Kay was a lifelong Phillies fan. She also looked forward to the Delaware State Fair every year, attending well into her 90s.

She was a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Harrington for over 60 years, actively involved in the OUR class and always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a volunteer for Chester County Hospital for 3 years. Kay was an excellent cook, an expert seamstress, and had a deep love for her pets. She cherished time spent with family and friends, always offering warmth, kindness, and an infectious sense of humor.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Kathy Stocker (David); cherished grandson, Craig Stocker (Kristen); and three adored great-grandchildren, Ella, Avery, and Grayson. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her beloved home health aide, Betsy Miller, who provided her with loving care and companionship.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 21, at Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington, DE , with visitation at 10 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. , followed by interment at Hollywood Cemetery . An additional memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22 at Simpson Meadows Retirement Community , Downingtown, PA with a gathering at 10:30am and the service at 11am . Memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 63 Clark St., Harrington, DE , or Simpson Meadows, 101 Plaza Dr., Downingtown, PA .

Kay’s love, strength, and unwavering faith will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.