Kathleen Burns Molster

Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Cecilia Burns Molster, 83, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 2, 2021.  The daughter of John Francis and Mary Bart Burns, Kathy is survived by her husband John of 58 years, children: John, Jr. (Patricia), Michael (Julie), Bridget Byrd (David) and Martin (Anne Marie); 5 grandchildren: Dallas, Alexander, Olivia, Georgia and Ryane; and four step-grandchildren: Suzanne, Rebecca, Madeleine, and Miranda.  Kathy is preceded in death by her sister Mary Ann ‘Dee’ Burns Dunbar and brother John ‘Jack’ Burns.

Kathy was born and raised in Northwest Washington, DC., attending Holy Trinity School. She received her Associates Degree as Valedictorian of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School class of 1957.  Upon graduation she worked as a secretary for the General Services Administration.  Kathy first met her future husband John the day she was brought home from the hospital.  John grew up across the street from Kathy on S Street, NW.  Reuniting years later, the two married in May 1962.  The couple moved to Crofton, Maryland in 1968 to raise a family and lived there for almost 30 years.  As the kids became school age, Kathy went back to work, answering a request at Mass for a secretary to “do some light typing” for the newly forming Catholic church in the Crofton community.  After twenty-two years, “Mother Seton” as some referred to her, was a pillar in the administrative office of what was to become St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  Kathy retired in 1997, and she and John moved to Ocean View, Delaware. 

Kathy continued her involvement at church in Delaware, offering her creative talents, knitting/crocheting, for church fundraisers.  Kathy loved to travel, and she and John enjoyed many trips to Walt Disney World, and spots along the drive south, as well as trips to Sanibel Island, Florida.  In 2010, a long-desired trip to Ireland came to fruition. 

As a wife and mom, Kathy had boundless energy.  Her kindness and compassion were felt by all who were lucky to know her.  She was quick-witted, loved her glass of white Zinfandel or an occasional Guinness, enjoying entertaining and welcoming family and friends into her home.

She will be greatly missed.  Her son Michael reflected, as a mom she was Gold Standard.   Truer words could not be spoken.   

A gathering in her memory will be planned for late Spring/early Summer.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial donations page has been setup with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the following link: 

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=6897864&pg=personal&fr_id=39300