KATHY KAUTZKY CHAPPELEAR

1945 - 2015

CHAPPELEAR KATHY KAUTZKY CHAPPELEAR lost her battle with lung cancer in her home in Kent on October 2, 2015 where she had raised her family since 1970. Kathy was born on December 25, 1945, to Frank and Lillian (Takacs) Kautzky in Cleveland. She grew up in the Shaker Heights area and attended Laurel School for girls from preschool until she graduated in the class of 1963. She earned her undergraduate degree in geography from Kent State University where she met her life-long partner, Don Chappelear. They married on June 28, 1969. Kathy and Don joined the United Methodist Church of Kent where she was the camp contact person for two years and taught the two to three-year-old Sunday school class for 10 years where she presented the Bible stories in only a peaceful way. She was also an aide for Tree City Preschool. This led her to pursuing a master's degree in early preschool childhood developmental disability education at Kent State University. She became the first teacher for preschool students with developmental disabilities in the Ravenna City School District. After 13 years of doing work that she felt very passionate about, she retired in 2002 because back problems prevented her from getting on the floor with the children. In her retirement, she cultivated her love of photography and nature through the Akron Camera Club. She earned awards for her intimate photos of birds, squirrels, and other wonders of nature. Most of her favorite photography can be found on her Phun Photos page on Facebook. She also made many dear friends through the Camera Club. She most enjoyed the Tuesday night dinners with her close girlfriends for the past 25 years. Her retirement also allowed her to travel and spend time with her grandchildren in Los Angeles and Vermont. She is survived by her husband, Don Chappelear; her children, Dee Chappelear (Cheron Zekavat) and grandchildren, Jessie Chappelear and Cameron Chappelear of Los Angeles, Dorsey (Matthew) Chappelear Hogg of Vermont and grandchildren, Maxwell Hogg and Samuel Hogg, and Lewis Chappelear (Sergio de Barros) of Los Angeles. She also leaves behind her companion, Minnie, the Chihuahua; sisters-in-law, LeeAnn and Jean; brother-in-law, Richard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves behind not only family, but also friends who were very dear to her. Calling hours will be held 6-8 PM Tuesday, October 6th at BISSLER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 628 West Main Street, Kent where funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, October 7th with Kevin O'Brien Officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kent Social Services, 143 Gougler Avenue, Kent, OH 44240. +