Katherine Harley Papadea

COLUMBIA - Katherine “Kitt” Harley Papadea, 69, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Palmettos of Parklane. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 11:00 am until 11:45 am at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with a Celebration of Life Service at 12 o’clock noon.

Kitt was born in Spartanburg on October 30, 1954 to the late Bob and Jeanne Harley. She graduated from Spartanburg High when she was 16 years old and then graduated from Converse College. She later studied accounting at University of South Carolina becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Kitt loved life! Most special to her was spending time with her family and friends, especially at Hilton Head Island, her favorite vacation place to host gatherings. She loved gardening and her many potted plants, as well as listening to music and dancing. She was an incredibly happy lady with a laugh that filled the room and others with her loving spirit and joyful way of engaging with people. Whether a stranger, friend or a family member, Kitt made each person feel special.

She loved to travel and throughout her life she traveled to Europe, North Africa, South America, the Bahamas, Morocco and Galapagos Islands. Her son, Jim, was her favorite travel partner to enjoy each moment to the fullest.

She leaves behind her two beloved children, son, Jim Papadea and his wife, Maggie and their children, Ash and Mada; daughter, Kate Papadea; her brother, Steve Harley and his wife, Beth and their children, Ariel, Ashley and Arden.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Southeastern Home Health for taking such good care of her in her home and The Palmettos of Parklane for being a wonderful home for her in the final months of her life.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her honor to City of Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.