Kathryn Anne Kussel Clarke

Kathryn Clarke, 59, died in her home in the woods of Chapel Hill on Oct. 22, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family: husband David and daughters Emily (Matt) and Susan.

Kathryn was born March 6, 1966, in Middletown, New York to Trudi Kussel and Tom Kussel, both deceased. She and David met at work – her beauty instantly captivated him, and her intellect, loving heart, and lively spirit reinforced that her beauty wasn’t only on the outside. They married after dating for 3 years.

She was the heart of the family, a fun-loving, innovative woman who could create art, design educational math games for girls, and make the best roasted chicken anyone’s tasted (yet none can replicate). The natural world was her sacred place, and some of her favorite memories were of playing with the girls in the Little Pigeon River in the Smoky Mountains.

Her creativity extended to designing their dream home, which she got to live in and share with her precious family for the last year of her life. A lover of music, she ran the gamut from adoring gospel and vocal jazz to firmly believing “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” are the two greatest rock songs of all time.

In addition to David, Emily, Susan, and Matt, Kathryn is survived by: the light of her life, grandson Charlie; best friend Kym (Doug); nephews Serge (Skyler), Matthew, and Shawn; nieces Sarah and Karlee; mother-in-law Joyce; and adopted mother Ruth Ann.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Endswell Funeral Home, 407 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough. Burial will be private.

Kathryn was passionate about addressing hunger for children and families in her community, and she and David actively support the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Should you feel so inclined, and especially in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Food Bank in her name.