Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney
Catherine Elizabeth Sweeney was born on July 6, 1871, in Jamestown, New York. The daughter of Irish immigrants, Catherine was the second of four children. She attended Jamestown High School but left school during her senior year to support her family.
With her outgoing personality and quick wit, she managed to land a sales clerk position at a local jewelry store. It is easy to see how a woman who worked hard to help her family would appeal to a self-made man like Milton Hershey.
How Catherine Met Milton
One day, Catherine was with friends at the local soda fountain, A.D. Work’s Confectionery. There, she met candy maker Milton S. Hershey, who was selling his caramels.
Soon, the two began a courtship. They married in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on May 25, 1898.
The Start of a Giving Legacy
Catherine soon became involved with the Lancaster Charity Society. This work gave her a unique glimpse into the lives of struggling families. She saw how hardship could disrupt a child’s future.
Catherine’s philanthropy had great influence over her husband. When Milton Hershey gave his first documented gift of $5,000 to Franklin & Marshall College in 1900, many credited his wife.
Soon after, Catherine Hershey gave a sizable gift toward the construction of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
“Kitty’s Idea”
One of Catherine and Milton’s greatest disappointments was that they were unable to start a family of their own. They decided that if they could not have children, they would devote their lives to helping children who needed support.
After the Hersheys created the Hershey Industrial School, now Milton Hershey School, Milton Hershey was quoted as saying, “It was Kitty’s idea.” In those early days, Catherine would host a breakfast each year for the boys in High Point Mansion, where the Hersheys lived.
Today, the students of Milton Hershey School carry that legacy forward as the living heirs of Catherine and Milton’s enduring vision.
Her Final Years
Catherine Hershey experienced ongoing health problems for much of her adult life. As her health declined, her gardens offered her a quiet refuge.
Catherine Hershey died of pneumonia on March 25, 1915, at the age of 43. After her death, her roses were moved to Hershey Gardens. Milton often asked his chauffeur to take him there so he could sit with “Kitty’s roses.”
Influenced by Catherine’s generous spirit, Milton Hershey carried forward the philanthropy they had practiced together. In 1918, he transferred his fortune and controlling interest in the chocolate company to a trust for the school’s benefit. That decision ensured their mission would continue beyond their lifetimes.
Milton Hershey never remarried. He carried her picture with him everywhere he went.
Catherine’s Flowers
Catherine Hershey loved gardening. Throughout their marriage, Milton never failed to bring her a daily arrangement of fresh flowers.
At their home in Lancaster, Catherine helped create gardens filled with beautiful detail. At High Point Mansion, she helped plan the grounds around the house. She particularly loved her rose garden.
Today, a rose named in her honor grows at Hershey Gardens and on school campuses. The Catherine Hershey Rose has soft peach-pink petals and a light citrus scent. It reflects her love of flowers and her lasting connection to the children the schools serve.
Timeline of Catherine Hershey
1871
Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney was born in Jamestown, New York.
1888
Catherine left Jamestown High School during her senior year to work in a shop.
1898
Catherine married Milton Hershey in New York City.
1908
The Hersheys move into High Point Mansion, built by renowned architect C. Emlen Urban. It was named “High Point” because it sat on a scenic ridge overlooking the original chocolate factory.
1909
Milton and Catherine Hershey signed the Deed of Trust in 1909 to establish the Hershey Industrial School, now called Milton Hershey School. This was before women had the right to vote.
1915
Catherine Hershey died from pneumonia.
Trivia About Catherine Hershey
1. Where was Catherine Hershey born?
Correct! Not quite — C is correct!
2. Why did Catherine leave high school as a teenager?
Correct! Not quite — C is correct!
3. What organization did Catherine volunteer with in Lancaster?
Correct! Not quite — B is correct!
4. In what year did Milton and Catherine Hershey sign the trust creating their school?
Correct! Not quite — C is correct!
5. What personal passion of Catherine’s did Milton Hershey preserve after her death?
Correct! Not quite — C is correct!
Explore More of The Hershey Legacy
The Schools
Learn how Milton and Catherine Hershey’s vision became schools that continue to serve students and families today.
Values and Vision
Discover the beliefs that guided Milton Hershey’s decisions and see how his commitment to fairness, hard work, and opportunity shaped his legacy.