Catherine Ann (Klopf) Kearns

Catherine “Cathy” Ann Kearns
CINCINNATI - (nee Klopf) passed away on July 29, 2022 at the age of 77. Cathy is the devoted wife of Jerome “Jerry” H. Kearns, loving mother of Bryan S. Kearns, Jason (Elisabeth) G. Kearns and Derek (Jennifer) P. Kearns, dear grandmother of Caroline, Anthony Jerome (“AJ”), and Charlotte. Dear sister of the late Joyce Thornberry. Cathy is survived by nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Cathy was born in Piqua, Ohio on October 21, 1944 to Marie and Paul Klopf. She attended Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. Cathy began her career after graduation at IBM as a systems engineer which took her to Cincinnati where she met and married Jerry. Her career took a back seat to the focal point in life, her family. To her three sons, she devoted her time and energy to cultivating their various activities including swimming with the Cincinnati Marlins, summer golf leagues, soccer, track, football and wrestling. Countless hours were spent planning and organizing fundraising events at the boys’ schools, the Summit Country Day School and St. Xavier High School. Cathy was also committed to helping others and giving back to the Cincinnati community via numerous organizations. As a member of the Junior League of Cincinnati, Cathy was Chair of the RiverFeast Committee which published the RiverFeast: Still Celebrating Cincinnati cookbook commemorating Cincinnati’s Bicentennial. Cathy was instrumental in The Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati opening of the first Children’s Family House in 1982. Cathy served on the Hamilton County Fair Board, targeting the Fair’s annual event while her sons participated in 4-H. Cathy was also active in the political community, serving as President of the Hamilton County Women’s Republican Club. Cathy’s service to the community continued in latter years, serving as an active member of the Cincinnati Women’s Club as member of the Board, Treasurer and involved in philanthropic action and educational opportunities. Cathy enjoyed traveling the world with Jerry. Cruise ships and river boats took them to many foreign countries. Her love for cooking transcended generations as she prepared exquisite Sunday dinners. Throughout the last seven years of her life she battled lung cancer with unrelenting courage beginning at the Mayo Clinic and then the Barrett Cancer Center at UC Health - never giving up through the time of her unexpected death. Cathy gave her heart to all those around her, always willing to help with a positive spirit. Visitation will be Thursday, August 4th at the Vitt, Stermer & Anderson Funeral Home 4619 Delhi Rd. from 5-8PM. A service to celebrate the life of Catherine Ann Kearns will take place at St. Xavier Church, 607 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Barrett Cancer Center at UC Health or the Cincinnati Women’s Club.

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