Katherine Elizabeth Frank Miniclier

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Jack Miniclier; children Heather Shockey, John Miniclier, Nicole Miniclier, and Andrew Miniclier and their respective spouses; Grandsons Benjamin, Peter, Robert, and Gideon; sister Eleanor Matney; and many beloved in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Stanley Frank and mother Dorothy Kitsleman Bush.

Katherine was born on 4 May 1946 in Washington, D.C. She attended Richmond Professional Institute for interior design. In 1974 she married Jack Miniclier and began her life as an Army wife. Their family grew while stationed all over the globe, from Olympia, Washington to Saudi Arabia; back to northern Virginia, and then across the Atlantic Ocean to Mons, Belgium; they traveled back stateside to Wilmington, North Carolina and then Fort Monroe, Virginia. They began a different kind of adventure after Jack’s retirement from his military career, they settled in Charles City, Virginia in 1992 and began a different kind of adventure establishing roots in a community.

Katherine designed their family home, from architectural drawings to interior design, and she and her family carved a place of beauty on a peninsula overlooking the Chickahominy River. She was an active member of her church, and enjoyed helping out with the Fall Pilgrimage, participating in theological study groups, and decorating the church with floral arrangements as part of the altar guild.

She was also active in her community, working with the Cultural Alliance Group, volunteering her time to man the polls during elections, and was a member of the Three Rivers Garden Club.

Katherine was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, and friend. She nurtured her children’s aspirations and exposed them to a bigger, broader world; supported her family in times of crisis with kindness and strength; cultivated beauty in her surroundings and in herself.

Katherine was an accomplished chef, a Master Gardener, and always perfectly coordinated and classically fashionable. She enrolled in college courses throughout her life and consistently expanded her mind through reading and classes. Whether it was a museum, an Ethiopian restaurant, or a gallery, Katherine was always excited to try and see new things.

She looked forward to the RPI reunions with her former roommates and classmates.

Her early exposure to travel instilled a lifelong wanderlust in her and she went on many journeys to visit friends in France.

After her diagnosis, Katherine continued to travel, cook, visit friends, attend Broadway shows, and practice her mastery of the French language. She continued to work out and do yoga during the entire duration of her illness.

She will be remembered for her graciousness, her openness, her ready smile, her tenacity, and her passion for life.

Both an interment at Arlington National Cemetery and a memorial service at Westover Episcopal Church in Charles City will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the American Brain Tumor Association.