Southport, NC – Katherine C. Riel Drolet, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, in Southport, North Carolina, at the age of 99. Katherine was born on April 21, 1927, in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, to Arthur and Margaret Morgen Riel.
She was united in marriage with Lionel D. Drolet of Pittsfield on November 9, 1946, and together they built a beautiful family, blessed with one son and seven daughters. Over the years, their family expanded to include 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and light into her long and fulfilling life.
Preceding Katherine in death were her dear parents, Arthur and Margaret; her brother Robert in 1924 and sister Madeline in 1931; her beloved husband Lionel on their 41st wedding anniversary, November 9, 1987; her daughter Sharyn on July 27, 2019; as well as her in-laws, mother Annette Drolet, brother Ulysses, and sister Priscilla.
Katherine is survived by her devoted children: Linda and her husband Dr. Parvez Mahmood of Toms River, NJ; Terry Reed of Barnstead, NH, husband of her daughter, Sharyn (deceased); Gail Murphy of Southport, NC; Sandra and her husband Peter Croteau of Southport, NC; Susan and her husband Joseph Towle of Pittsfield, NH; Robert and his wife Susan Drolet of Barnstead, NH; Ann and her husband Ramon Alatorre of Bellemont, AZ; and Karen and her husband Steve Raney of Hooksett, NH. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law Robert Rene and his wife Beverly Drolet, sister-in-law Sister Rene Drolet (Deanna), as well as several nieces and nephews.
Katherine’s legacy as a wonderful, loving wife, mother, grandmother (G), great-grandmother (GG) , and great-great-grandmother (3G) will forever be remembered.
Mom was in Southport, NC the last four years and we will be returning her to be with Dad at the Floral Park Cemetery in the spring of 2027, with a small graveside service on her 100th birthday on April 21, 2027.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Katherine’s memory to Amedisys Hospice, 1729 Southport Supply Rd Suite A, Bolivia, NC 28422, or Terre Bella Senior Living, 1125 E Leonard St., Southport, NC 28461. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at these facilities for their compassionate care during Katherine’s final months. The Drolet Family also wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation for their support during this time of need.
Katherine will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
The Drolet Family
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes