Katherine S. Schultz - Obituary

atherine Ann Schultz (Kathy), 83, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones at the Ginger Cove Retirement Community. Kathy was born on January 23, 1941, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to Preston Smith and Gertrude Lehman. She grew up in a loving family and pursued her passion for caring for others by studying nursing at Susquehanna University and Jefferson University from 1959 to 1962. While at Susquehanna, she met the love of her life, Thomas T. Schultz (Ted), and the two married on September 2, 1961, beginning a beautiful 60-year journey together. Shortly after their marriage, Ted was drafted into the United States Army, and Kathy relocated to South Carolina while Ted served. In 1962 they welcomed their first child, Judith Schultz. After Ted’s discharge from the Army, the family moved to Baltimore, where Ted began a successful career with National Cash Register Corporation, and in 1965 they welcomed their second child, Christine Schultz. In the late 1960s, Ted and Kathy visited Annapolis and would routinely drive past the World War II Memorial and the United States Naval Academy. Captivated by the beauty and charm of the area, they decided to make Annapolis their forever home. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. In 1970, Kathy gave birth to their third child, Sandra Schultz. The following year, Ted and Kathy took a leap of faith and opened their own tax accounting business in Annapolis. Kathy served as the office manager, and for over 50 years, she was a pillar of warmth and professionalism, building lasting relationships with clients and their families. In 1974, their family grew again with the birth of their son, Timothy Schultz. Kathy’s devotion to her community was as unwavering as her love for her family. She was a dedicated volunteer at Anne Arundel Medical Center, where her kindness touched countless lives. Kathy was also a cherished member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Arnold, where she found joy in serving others. Above all, Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest pride came from nurturing her family. She was their rock, a quiet but steady force who always supported them from behind the scenes. Kathy led with compassion, love, and grace, embodying the true spirit of a servant leader. Kathy’s sense of adventure, shared with Ted, brought them great joy. Together, they traveled around the country by RV and boat, exploring new places and making memories wherever they went. Kathy had a love for life that shone through in everything she did—whether it was dancing, listening to music, or simply spending time with her children and grandchildren. She adored her dog, Doc, who was always by her side. Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Ted, and her parents, Preston and Gertrude. She is survived by her sister Sara Hampton and brother Daniel Smith. She leaves behind her four children: Judith, (Jake Bernstein), Christine, (Mannie Rodriguez), Sandra, (Michael Blair), and Timothy, (Kristen Schultz). She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Jessica, Hannah, and Hayden. Kathy’s love, kindness, and devotion will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She lived a life full of love, service, and grace, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by her family, friends, and community for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation in Kathy’s honor. The family will hold a private memorial service at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis, Maryland.