Pappas, Kathy (nee Lebbing)

Kathy was the heart of our family. She was fiercely devoted to her children and poured her time, energy, and love into every part of their lives. From cheering on the sidelines to volunteering at every school event, she never missed a chance to show up. She didn’t just support her children she made their passions her own. If it mattered to them, it mattered to her.

She was also a champion for the greater community. As a founding member of the Lindbergh Schools Foundation, Kathy gave countless hours to support the teachers and students of the district. Her dedication helped build programs and opportunities that continue to serve and inspire today. She believed deeply in the power of education and the importance of giving back, and she led by example, quietly, steadily, and with unwavering purpose.

As the oldest of seven siblings, Kathy naturally stepped into the role of guide, protector, and storyteller. She was the family historian, the keeper of memories and could recall in vivid detail what it was like growing up in South St. Louis. Her stories brought the past to life, filled with humor, heart, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from someone who paid attention to every moment. She kept the family connected through those stories, reminding us where we came from and why it mattered.

Kathy’s heart was made even fuller when she met the love of her life on a blind date to a Chicago concert. It was the beginning of an incredible 52-year journey together. Their love story was one for the ages, filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support for one another. They traveled the world together, exploring new places, creating lasting memories, and always making sure to spoil their family along the way. Together, they built a life full of joy and love, and their bond was a shining example of what true partnership looks like.

As a grandmother, Kathy was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. She passed down traditions and values with love and care. She showed her granddaughters how to set a proper table and how to create a Thanksgiving meal from scratch not just the cooking, but the meaning behind it: family, preparation, gratitude, and togetherness. Every lesson she taught came wrapped in warmth (and usually with a side of wit).

Kathy had a knack for knowing what was needed, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a perfectly timed sarcastic comment. Her one-liners could stop a room, and her humor was a gift that made difficult days easier and joyful days even brighter. She had a way of making people feel seen, known, and loved all while keeping things real.

She was a caretaker in every sense someone who quietly held things together behind the scenes, who made sure no one ever felt alone, who carried so much without ever needing the spotlight.

Kathy lived with strength, grace, and a sharp sense of humor. Her absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but her presence, her voice, her lessons, her laughter lives on in every person she loved and cared for.

We will miss her every day. And we will honor her by carrying forward the love she gave so freely, the lessons she taught us, and the humor she used to light up the darkest days.

Rest peacefully, Kathy. You were and always will be incredibly loved and immensely missed.