Catherine M Phifield

Catherine M. "Kay" Phifield, a lifelong resident of Newport, Rhode Island, died on November 9, 2026 at 100 years old. Born in Newport, RI on August 5, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Othar and Frances (Pinheiro) Miller.

Kay worked for many years as a nurses practitioner and enjoyed caring for people. Kay will be remembered for many things, including two of her great loves: desserts and walking. She never drove a car and preferred to walk everywhere, which may help explain how she managed to enjoy so many desserts throughout her 100 years.

Kay was also legendary for sending cards. Birthdays, holidays, special occasions, or simply because she was thinking of you, there was always a reason to send one. Countless family members and friends were lucky enough to find a card from Kay in their mailbox, and it is safe to say Hallmark has lost one of its very best customers.

Most of all, Kay had an extraordinary ability to make friends. No matter where she was or whom she met, she found a way to connect with people. She continued making new friends throughout her remarkable 100 years, even in her final days. That ability to bring warmth and friendship into the lives of others was simply part of who Kay was.

Catherine is survived by her beloved daughter Kathy Robbins and her husband Gary of Cave Creek, AZ, two grand daughters, Kelly Jorgensen and her husband Nick and Amy Hulse and her husband Chris and three great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Hulse, Anna Hulse, and Joseph Jorgensen. She is also survived by her nieces Donna Violette (Leo), Carol LaBonte (Norman), Traci Manzi (Frank) and Sharon Cardoza.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister Alice Medeiros. Her only son Irving "Skip" Phifield in August, 2026 and her daughter in law Dawn Phifield.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 14 at 10:00am in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.