Katherine L. Wessley of Manhattan died at her son's home in Dutchess County. She raised her four children in Montrose, NY and also lived in Peekskill, NY.
She was married to Stephen Wessley Jr. until his death in 1976. Mr. Wessley was a civil engineer for the Fleischmann plant in Peekskill. Mrs Wessley worked for the Maryknoll Fathers in Ossining, NY. She was the executive secretary to Father Miguel D'Escoto, Director of Social Communications at Maryknoll and former President of the United Nations General Assembly from September 2008 to September 2009. She always considered raising her children her most important job.

After retiring from Maryknoll she joined the Board of the Hudson Valley Friends of Mental Health becoming a charter member. She volunteered as the manager for their thrift store for over 15 years. The revenue from the thrift store was the primary source of funding for the organization's mental health quality of life programs.  In addition she helped train many of the clients for re-entry into the work force. Mrs. Wessley was a nominee for volunteer of the year in Westchester County.
Mrs. Wessley was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed tennis, ping pong, cross country skiing, and most of all playing scrabble.

She is survived by her sons Stephen E Wessley III and wife Frances, Peter Wessley, Mark Wessley and wife Catherine and her daughter Diane Reggio and husband Rick. Her grandchildren Stephen Wessley IV and wife Lauren, Anne Mazza and husband Humphrey, Christopher Ford, Rachel Sebastian, Jacob Wessley and wife Emily, her great grandchild Jacey Wessley and her faithful companion Dolly her toy poodle.  Donations may be made to the Maryknoll Fathers or the Dutchess County ASPCA.