Katheryn Emma Gross Hitch Hurley, 90

SEAFORD - Katheryn Hurley, died on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, in Atlantic Shores Nursing Home, in Millsboro. Born in Jarrettsville, Md., she was the first born daughter of the late William and Florence Gross. Mrs. Hurley was a member of the graduating class of 1935 at Jarrettsville High School, and was immediately accepted to State Teachers College, what is now Salisbury University. She graduated in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and was offered, without delay, numerous teaching positions throughout the state of Maryland. With many choices at hand, she decided to venture back to Harford County to teach at many local schools in the area, and to be close to her family. It was at State Teachers College that she met her first husband, R. Russell Hitch. They began their courtship and married some time later. She then relocated to Salisbury to become a full time wife, and eventually, mother. Through this union they had two children, Linda Hitch Bromley and Stephen R. Hitch. She spent these years as a meticulous housewife and mother. She was quite the perfectionist as this was how she herself was taught while growing up. Once Linda and Steve began attending school, she began substitute teaching at local schools. As one of three teachers in her family, she simply had a love for teaching children. On Sept. 8th, 1973, she married Harry "Bunky" Carlton Hurley Jr., of Seaford, and they built a home on the shores of the Nanticoke River. They enjoyed many years together traveling and spending time with their growing family. She especially enjoyed the many years that he spent as a musician with the local band "Almost Country". As a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Fruitland, she participated heavily in the church and was also a member of the local Farm Bureau Discussion Group, where she met with friends to discuss the happenings on the shore. Mrs. Hurley was also a survivor. Diagnosed with breast cancer 25 years ago, at the age of 65, there was little hope of survival. After a mastectomy and chemotherapy, she beat this dreaded disease and enjoyed her life to the seasoned age of 90. She offers hope to women everywhere that we can and we will defeat breast cancer. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harry "Bunky" Hurley Jr.; a daughter, Linda Hitch Bromley; and a brother-in-law, Bruce McElwain. She is survived by her son, Stephen R. Hitch, of Fruitland; stepson, Wayne Hurley of Georgetown; stepdaughter, Vickie Willin, of Seaford; grandchildren, Jennifer Kelsey and her husband Victor, of N.C., Jonathan Hitch, and Ethan Hitch of Salisbury, Kimberly Bromley-Tucker and her husband Norman, of Ocean City and Norman Willin III, of Delmar; one great-grandson, Noah Weldon Tucker; sisters, Doris McElwain and her husband Gerald, and Edith McElwain, both of Jarrettsville; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Holloway Funeral Home P.A., where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Officiating will be the Rev. Harvey Dixon. Burial will be 1 p.m. Thursday in Jarrettsville Cemetery in Jarrettsville, Md. Officiating will be the Rev. James Biller. Contributions may be made in her memory to Women Supporting Women, 106 Circle Ave., #101, Salisbury, MD 21801. Arrangements are being handled by Holloway Funeral Home P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury. Visit www.hollowayfh.com to send condolences to the family.