Kathleen Irene Holley

Kathleen Irene (Wendling) Holley, of Gulfport passed away on the evening of Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, surrounded by her children in Gulfport, MS at the age of 91.

Kay was born in Saginaw, MI on October 15th, 1932, to proud parents John and Katherine Gerschbacher and big sister Audrey. She moved to Long Beach, MS in 1943.

Being raised a devout Catholic, Kay attended catholic school at St. Joseph in Saginaw, MI and St. John in Gulfport, MS. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport.

After managing, her parents’ Aquarium Pet Shop in Mississippi City for many years, she opened Kay's Aquarium in Gulfport, as the only aquarium and small pet store in the area. She was known by many as the “fish doctor of Gulfport”. She then worked at K-Mart until retirement. After retirement, Kay enjoyed traveling the United States. She loved being on the water, especially boating and fishing, spending a lot of time at her camp on the river. She was always working on a jigsaw puzzle, and never missed a day of reading the newspaper. Her most favorite past time was spending time with her large family.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents John and Katherine Gerschbacher, her daughter Irene (Alphonse) Antoinette Wendling, her granddaughter Ann Marie Pucheu, her sister Audrey Pierson; her nephews Johnny, Chris, Timmy, and Danny Pierson, her husband Patrick Holley.

She is survived by her 6 children, Katherine “Kathy” Andrews, Constance “Connie” (Porter) Pucheu, Richard Dickie” (Jeneane) Wendling, James “Jimmy” (Johnna Harrison) Wendling, Sandra (Stevie) Delaney, and Matthew (Christina) Wendling all the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Known as “Gonna” by her 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren with one on the way. She has 4 nieces in Long Beach. Her best friend Lone Savarese of Gulfport and many friends at Greenbriar Nursing Center.

Kay will always be remembered for her gentle nature. She was a very sweet, soft-spoken woman.

The family would like to thank Memorial Hospital, especially the ER staff and Greenbriar Nursing Center.

Memorial donations can be made in Kathleen Holley honor to St. James Catholic School, 603 West Ave, Gulfport,MS.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation from 10:00 - 11:00, at St John's Catholic Church in Gulfport, MS, graveside service will be at Floral Hills cemetery in Gulfport, MS.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.