Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Beloved wife of Basil Pappas; loving mother of Stephanie (David) Dougherty, Diana (Jerry) Skubic and Bill Pappas; adoring Mimi of Madison (Trevor) Brumleve, Alayna Skubic, Caroline Dougherty, Gabby Skubic and Reagan Dougherty; cherished great-grandmother of Avery Brumleve; dear sister of Jim (Shelley) Lebbing, Tom (Alice) Lebbing, Lisa (Keith) Ternes, Scott (Rhonda) Lebbing and the late Michael (survivng Sandy) Lebbing and Tony (Surviving Donna) Lebbing. Our dearest sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.
There are no words that can fully capture the life and spirit of Kathy — but if you knew her, you’ll understand when we say the world feels a little dimmer without her in it.
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.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Tuesday, September 16 from 4-8 pm. with Funeral Service on Wednesday, September 17 at 10:00 am. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions to Lindbergh Schools Foundation Home – Lindbergh Schools Foundation or American Heart Association Why Give | American Heart Association appreciated.
Rest in Peace Sweet Kathy.
For almost the past 50 years we shared every birthday and anniversary together. We figured out our mother’s hospital stays overlapped after our births and we were in the nursery at Lutheran Hospital at the same time in August of 1947. We traveled together, lunched, had dinners, “company picnics,” worked on Mother’s Club house tours, shared clothes from time to time and laughed and cried together on more occasions that can possibly be remembered. Life won’t be the same without you I am sure. Rest in peace dear friend, I will see you again someday.
So sad to hear of Kathy’s passing! She was my first cousin and I considered her one of my first friends along with the rest of the Lebbing cousin crew!!! My heart goes out to her family.She will be sorely missed!Much love to you all.
Kathy will be missed by so many. I used to call her to ask about Yahyah cookies. Now ai k ow how to make them, I will have to take some to Basil now. Kathy thank you for always trying to keep my mouth in check. You always did it the right way. Kathy hope you left recipes behind for the kids and maybe someone us. You will be miss!! If you see my ?Mom in heaven en give her a hug for me.
So many wonderful women in this Lebbing family, and Kathy was definitely was the heart and soul of them. It was always so enjoyable to hear the stories and reminiscing of all the wonderful times and the very large family reunions that we were able to be a part of. Definitely memories of a lifetime to cherish.
Always loved her for reaching out for me to bring mom up for the Lebbing Ladies weekend!
Deapest sympathy and prayers for all the family at this time. So sorry that mom is not able to travel for Kathy’s celebration of life!
God bless you and comfort you all at this time!
Love Mark and Jan !! 💖💖🙏🙏
Many memories of fun times over 50 years of friendship.
Nice to see your name again hope you’re doing ok
I first met Kathy at Sappington Mothers Club and we continued on through high school. We worked, planned and played for many years. Her humor and one liners will always be remembered.
I know she will be remembered in her legacy through her family and volunteering.
Condolences to her family and friends
Pam and I met Kathy through the love of her life Basil Pappas and are so glad we got to spend a few hours with her in our Twin Lakes home a few years ago. We got to know of her convictions to a mission through the stories Basil told us over the years. We are so glad to learn that a blind date in Chicago was the event that triggered 52 year of marriage to this extraordinary couple and their family.
We are sure she will watch over Basil from above and guide him as she has always done for the last 52!! Little did we suspect in frequent conversations with Basil that took place in hospital locations with tests – that we would see this result coming do doon and much, much to early for such a vibrant lady!!.
RIP Kathy. Our parent’s friendship brought us together early in life. I always called you Mike and Jimmy “my almost cousins” and your mom and dad “my almost aunt and uncle “. Your sense of humor was second to none. My deepest sympathy to your beautiful family.
Mr. Pappas, Stephanie, Diana and Billy
My condolences and deep sympathy to you and the Pappas family.
Dear Pappas Family,
Dear Pappas Family,
I was so sorry to learn of your loss. What a beautiful obituary and heartfelt tribute to your beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Our world feels truly diminished by her passing—I only wish I’d had the chance to know her. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Bess Fitzmaurice