Columbia, South Carolina - Kathleen A. (Clements) Kreipe passed away peacefully on Friday, May 20, 2022, with her loving husband of 56 years, Ted, by her side, following a courageous battle with leukemia. She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Anna (Nolan) Clements. In addition to Ted Kreipe, her steady and constant companion, Kathy is survived by their daughter, Karen Kreipe Johnston and her husband Gary, and son, Kevin and his wife Tracey of Carlinville, IL. Karen and her husband, Gary, gave Kathy two amazing grandchildren: Garrett and Katelyn Johnston, while Kevin and his wife, Tracey, gave her three outstanding grandchildren: Elizabeth (Bennett) Smith of Kansas City, Kansas, Nolan (Zoe) Kreipe of Saint Mary’s, GA and Colin Kreipe of Carlinville, IL. Kathy was very proud of, and deeply loved her children, grandchildren and son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Also surviving Kathy are her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Bernadette Clements of Marietta, GA; sister-in-law Sister Judith Anne Kreipe, IHM, of Malvern, PA; brother-in-law Richard Kreipe, MD, of Pittsford, NY; nephew Brian Clements and his wife Jessica of Marietta, GA and niece Mara Clements Roland and her husband Keith of Mount Pleasant NC, along with four great nephews.
Kathy was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was a proud member of the award-winning Cardinal Dougherty High School Color Guard. She grew up following Phillies baseball, Eagles football, but especially the Philadelphia Flyers Stanley Cup Champion “Broadstreet Bullies” of the 1970s. The Kreipe family relocated to Sumter, SC in 1975, where Kathy made many close friends. Kathy worked and retired from Central Carolina Technical College, where she helped both students and colleagues succeed. When an opportunity arose for them to own/operate C.A. Harler Trophies and Engraving in Sumter, Kathy and Ted partnered to make it a success, as well. When Kathy became a grandmother—a job she cherished—she became known as “Grandma Trophy”. Upon retirement from the trophy shop, Kathy and Ted sold the shop and moved to Columbia to be near family.
Being an artist was one of Kathy’s special talents and loves in life. She could work in any medium. Loving to draw and paint, Kathy was especially drawn to capturing all the elements of sand dunes that she saw along the coast of South Carolina. She loved working on various “craft” projects, rewarding those fortunate to receive one with a Christmas gift of an ornately painted ceramic mug, stein or vase. In recent years, Kathy enjoyed creating ceramic art pieces while participating as a member of Seven Oaks Recreations Center’s “Crack Pots.” Even when she was slowed down with poor health, she loved to work with ceramics—having an artist’s eye for everything that she created.
What gave Kathy the most enjoyment in life was being with family and friends, sharing stories and meals. Traveling to the beach to spend time in a camper near the ocean was definitely a highlight when it came to celebrating holidays, birthdays or any excuse for a get-together. When several family members had birthdays around the middle of January, Kathy helped plan and organize two “Birthday Bashes.” In Myrtle Beach, she found a huge ocean-front rental-property that could accommodate a dozen kids and adults. Like the entertainment director on a cruise ship, Kathy created a calendar listing various options that folks could choose to do during the day, including various games and prizes when we were all gathered, during our short time together. The only thing more abundant than food on those holidays were laughs and love.
The family would like to thank Dr. Asheesh Lal and the staff at Lexington Oncology Associates for the care she received during her battle with leukemia.
Kathy’s final arrangements are entrusted to Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, SC (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/irmo-sc/kathleen-kreipe-10758688). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Hills, Columbia, SC on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Kathy’s memory to the Cancer of Many Colors, 116 Old Chapin Rd., Lexington, SC 29072.
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