Kathleen E. Derby

Kathleen E. Derby, 98, a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community, died there peacefully Saturday, September 27, 2014.

She was born July 26, 1916 in Meadville, a daughter of Donald and Edna Smith Evans.  She married R. Stanley Derby June 9, 1937 and he preceded her in death November 22, 1979.

Kathleen worked in retail sales at the Crawford Store for 15 years and Carlisle’s for 8 years.  She was a former member of the Mead Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and was a former member and past president of the Dames of Malta.

She was a long-time member of Stone United Methodist Church and along with her husband was instrumental in starting the Marriot adult Sunday School class.

Survivors include a son, Robert C. Derby of Dudley, NC; eleven grandchildren, Louan Martin and her fiancé Bill Cottrell, P. Kevin Balsamo and his wife Traci, Marcie Coward and her husband Jerry, Rob Balsamo and his wife Heather, Scott Balsamo and his wife Jenny, Joe Balsamo, Heather Balsamo and her partner Kevin (House) Thompson, Tim Balsamo and his wife Holly, Aaron Balsamo and his fiancée Ellen Rodack, Sabrina Register, and Todd Derby; twenty five great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, Peter Balsamo of Meadville.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Balsamo and a great-granddaughter, Elisebeth Lynn Balsamo.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where the funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Sarah Roncolato, Pastor of Stone United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Kingsley Cemetery, Townville.

Memorials may be made to the Keystone Blind Association, 310 Chestnut St., #103, Meadville, PA 16335 or Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.

Share your memories and condolences at waidfuneralhome.net.