Katherine Washburn Bienvenu, 72, of Manteo died on July 9, 2015 at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City after a long illness. Kathy was a graduate of Manteo High School as valedictorian and the University of the State of New York. She was an avid sailor, an outstanding genealogist and ardent UNC basketball fan.
Kathy was the daughter of the late Emilie Leary and the stepdaughter of the late Donald Leary (the artist M. Charles). She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Bob Bienvenu of Manteo and her stepbrother Dean Leary and wife, Grace of Statesville, NC. Kathy is also survived by her son, Jon Crumpacker and wife, Barbra of Tallahassee, FL and four grandchildren, Corey, Jake, Cassie and Will.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Roanoke Island Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Charles Gill officiating.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.
Contact Information:
Twiford Funeral Home (Outer Banks)
500 Budleigh Street, PO Box 595,
Fax: (252) 473-3392
Email: David.Jr@TwifordFH.com
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Margaret Emory Stackpole
Kathy’s mother was my first cousin, but Kathy was my age so she was the one I felt most akin to. Unfortunately we rarely saw each other but I cherish the times we did and am so thankful for the fond letters and email messages she sent my way. She will be in my heart forever and so will Bob. Kathy’s genealogy research means a lot to my branch of the Emory family and we are very grateful for her painstaking work. Coincidentally my husband and I have also become ardent UNC basketball fans in recent years (through our daughter) so I will be especially thinking of Kathy every time I cheer them on. My sympathy to all of Kathy’s family and friends. I know you will be very much missing her and so will I.
David and Sally Emory
We are so sorry for your loss, Bob.
Although we’ve not met, David (Margie Stackpole’s brother) was glad to learn of the pirate ancestry that Kathy uncovered, which led to finding another (distant) relative here in Lexington, VA.
We hope you will take comfort from knowing how many lives Kathy touched, and that we all are sorry that she’s no longer with us.
David and Sally Emory
Mary Jolliff Moore
I hadn’t seen Kathy in a long time, but whenever we did meet up, we had a CONVERSATION. I thought a lot of her, and her mother with the beautiful smile. My condolences to the family, and prayers that God will envelop you in His loving arms.
Ray Midgett
With fondness, I remember Kathy very well from the ole days in Manteo. I extend my condolences to her entire family. A MHS classmate, Class of 1960.
Fred Kelly
My condolences to Kathy’s family. I was very close friends with both Dean and Susan. Kathy and Mike were older. Spent many afternoons being tutored in the game of Chess by Don. Even though many years have passed I always thought very highly of the whole family. May God rest Kathy’s soul and give her family peace.
Raymond White
The last time I saw Kathy was June 3, 1960, but I remember her well. Always striving for the perfect grade in all her subjects and the deep trauma she felt when she got a 99% on one of her papers. She and I had a long conversation at her home that afternoon.
My condolence to her family, she will be missed by all who knew her.
Kent and Betsy Decker
Dear Bob, This is serendipity? I was trying to find your home online and I just bumped into Kathy’s obituary. We’re both so very sorry for your loss. I know that might sound trite, but we really mean it. She was a good looking girl and you were lucky to have her as long as you did. You try to prepare for these things, but you really can’t.
Kent’s got serious short term memory loss which means he would love to talk with you about old times. SO, AS SOON AS YOU ARE ABLE, GET YOUR ASS UP HERE FOR A VISIT!!!! We can all hug, cry and laugh together.
My cousin from NY is visiting and showed me how to find people’s houses on Bing, a search engine. I’ve always used Google. It’s a real coincidence I had the address book out and was going to try and find old friend’s homes. I am so glad I did. I know you miss her and am not even going to think about what you both went through. I bet she was even ready to leave us, as sad as that seems, especially if she was in pain of any kind. Drop everything and bring a bag of laundry and appear on our front stoop, anytime!
Take care of yourself and we hope to see you soon, really! We may get down your way and if I can ever get anything but a box #, we’ll stop buy! Take you to O’Neal’s in Wanchese, my new favorite dive.
Love, Betsy and Kent
Ted Feldmeier, MHS class of 1963
My sincere sympathies to Bob and Kathy’s family. I missed knowing Kathy by the skin on my teeth (if that’s possible!), since I came to Manteo in 1960 and was ,and still am good friends with Dean and Fred Kelly above). However, I knew Kathy by proxy from Dean and Susan. All I ever heard about Kathy was good, though. Hang in there.