Katharine Neely Caufield, 81, of Warwick, NY, formerly of Bloomfield and Metuchen, NJ, died April 8th after a lengthy illness.
Katharine, known as Kit from childhood, born in Metuchen on November 3rd, 1940, daughter of Rodgers and Katharine M. Neely, spent her most productive years writing and teaching computer programs. A graduate of Metuchen High School and Bryn Mawr College, she received a master's degree in computer science from Montclair State University while living and working in New Jersey. Her expertise in computer programming led to jobs in a number of companies, including KPMG Peat Marwick and Newsweek.
Katharine moved to Warwick in 1988, settling into Homestead Village for the rest of her life. A seasoned traveler, in between jobs she went on several safaris to Africa, visited London a number of times and took two trips to Italy.
As an avid reader of historical romances, she particularly enjoyed "Coming Home" by Rosamund Pilcher and "Winds of War" by Herman Wouk. She loved old-time musicals, tuning into BBC Proms featuring John Wilson leading an orchestra accompanied by singers presenting Broadway and Hollywood favorites. She also loved Masterpiece Theater, especially Downton Abbey.
Until her eyesight began to fail, Katharine enjoyed spending time reading in the Warwick Library. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Warwick, and also found spiritual solace in programs featuring televangelist Joel Osteen.
Katharine, divorced from her husband Crandon Caufield, is survived by their son, Carl; her sister Elizabeth "Betsy" Cobb, her two nieces, Erin Klett and Kirsten Klett, grandniece Eleanor Herbert and grandnephew Russell Herbert, and grandnieces Mia and Amelia Marsh, several other more distant relatives and her old friend, Don Kirk, whom she met when they were young.
Private arrangements were made.
Memorial donations to Christ Episcopal Church, 50 South Street Warwick, NY 10990 would be welcome.