
Kathryn Prest Rend: A Life and Legacy
Kathryn “Kitty” Prest Rend was born in East Orange, NJ, on May 14, 1904. She became famous for her philanthropy and marriages to entertainment industry stars. Strong character and impact were her hallmarks throughout her life.
Early Life
Kathryn’s childhood was shaped by her family. A younger child of Francis C. Prest and Ollie Belle Hornbeak. Her values and goals were shaped by her family.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | May 14, 1904 |
| Birthplace | East Orange, New Jersey |
| Parents | Francis C. Prest, Ollie Belle Hornbeak |
| Siblings | Emily Prest Magie, Francis O. Prest |
Marriages
Kathryn married four times, each reflecting a significant life episode. After marrying William P. Rend, she had significant relationships with Sidney M. Spiegel Jr. and Mervyn LeRoy. She gained fresh experiences and social status with each marriage.
| Spouse | Marriage Year | Notable Information |
|---|---|---|
| William P. Rend | 1923 | Had one daughter, Rita May Rend |
| Sidney M. Spiegel Jr. | 1941 | Co-founder of Essaness Theatres |
| Mervyn LeRoy | 1946 | Acclaimed film director and producer |
| Ernest Lessing Byfield | 1955 | Not much public information available |
Children
Kathryn married William P. Rend and had Rita May Rend. Rita carried on the family legacy and influenced her motherhood and social life.
| Child | Birthdate | Notable Information |
|---|---|---|
| Rita May Rend | June 16, 1928 | Married twice, had children |

Philanthropy and Legacy
Kathryn was generous throughout her life, especially later on. Giving back to the community and helping others motivated her philanthropic activities. She loved the arts, which fit her family background.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Philanthropy | Supported various charities and causes |
| Arts Support | Contributed to arts education and programs |
Family Connections
Kathryn had wide familial ties that affected her social circles. Her marriages and contacts with notable persons enriched her life and increased her impact.
| Relatives | Description |
|---|---|
| Mervyn LeRoy | Husband, significant figure in film |
| Sidney M. Spiegel Jr. | First husband, influential in the theatre |
| Rita May Rend | Daughter, continued family legacy |
Final Years
Kathryn had a successful personal and professional life. She died on February 6, 1996, in Beverly Hills, California, leaving a vast family and philanthropic legacy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Death Date | February 6, 1996 |
| Death Place | Beverly Hills, California |
| Age at Death | 91 years |
FAQ
For what was Kathryn Prest Rend famous?
Kathryn Prest Rend was noted for her famous marriages, philanthropy, and artistic contributions.
When was Kathryn Prest Rend born?
She was born in East Orange, NJ, on May 14, 1904.
How many children did Kathryn have?
Kathryn married William P. Rend and had Rita May Rend.
What spouses did Kathryn Prest Rend have?
Kathryn married William P. Rend, Sidney M. Spiegel Jr., Mervyn LeRoy, and Ernest Lessing Byfield.
How did Kathryn give back?
Kathryn spent her life supporting the community and arts education through charity.
About Me
Chesung Subba
Author/Writer
Hello, I'm Chesung Subba, a passionate writer who loves sharing ideas, stories, and experiences to inspire, inform, and connect with readers through meaningful content.
Follow Me
Connect with me and be part of my social media community.