Katharine Leslie Redding Marquardt, of Morehead City, NC died on October 28, 2026.

A joint service will be held for both Leslie and her late husband, Dennis, at All Saints Anglican Church in Newport, NC on Wednesday November 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Leslie was born in New Orleans, LA on November 10, 1941. Her family later moved to Asheboro, NC where Leslie spent her childhood. Leslie attended St. Mary's College in Raleigh, NC before transferring to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. After graduation, Leslie moved to Charleston, SC where she began a career in social work. There, she met Dennis M. Marquardt and married on April 2, 1966.

Leslie and Dennis eventually settled in Morehead City, NC, where Leslie continued her career in social work while raising their two children. She was deeply involved in her children's lives, serving as a Den Mother and PTA volunteer, designing Halloween costumes, sewing prom dresses, caring for family pets, and enthusiastically supporting her children's many interests. Her creativity and playful spirit extended to her grandchildren, who delighted in her homemade slip-and-slides, puppet shows, cookie decorating, and countless other activities. Leslie was also the family's resident handyperson, always ready to tackle a project-whether wallpapering, painting, mowing the lawn, or even trimming trees with a chainsaw. There was seemingly nothing she couldn't fix or figure out.

Leslie had a generous heart and a deep concern for the well-being of others. Caring for those in need was a natural expression of her faith and compassion. She faithfully served on the altar guilds at both St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and All Saints Anglican Church, volunteered with Coastal Pregnancy Care Center and Meals on Wheels, and was an active participant in Community Bible Study.

Leslie is survived by her two children, Bill Marquardt (Charlie) of Berwyn, PA, and Holly Rice (Chris) of Cary, NC, and her six grandchildren, Jack Marquardt, Washington DC, Ellie Marquardt, New York City, Wesley Marquardt, Beverly, MA, Anna Bryan Marquardt, Berwyn, PA, Laney Rice and Andrew Rice, Cary, NC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Oscar and Katharine Redding, and her brothers, Howard and Bill Redding. 

Leslie was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Marquardt. Their remarkable love story spanned 60 years of marriage. Born just five days apart, they passed away just seven days apart.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to Coastal Pregnancy Care Center (409 N 35th Street, Morehead City, NC 28557) or All Saints Anglican Church (292 McCabe Rd, Newport, NC 28570).

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.