Watkins Funeral Home - McDonough Chapel

Obituary For Ms. Kathryn Kleitz

Ms. Kathryn Kleitz of McDonough, Georgia entered into rest on January 2, 2024.

Ms. Kathryn Ann Kleitz was born on May 22, 1973 to John G. Kleitz Jr. and Sharyn L. Kleitz in Wilmington, Delaware. Kathryn was 50 years old and resided in McDonough, Georgia and passed unexpectedly on January 3, 2024, peacefully in her bed. Her loss is completely unexpected and her family, friends, work family are shocked and deeply saddened. Kathy attended Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Delaware and later went on to obtain her Nursing Degree from Delaware Tech in Georgetown, Delaware, after graduating Kathy went on to work at Bebee Hospital and later at Harbor Healthcare Nursing Home. While working with the families at the nursing home, this really brought something out of her, which led to her profound calling and passion. She followed that passion and then worked as an admissions Nurse for Delaware Hospice and began doing what she was meant too. Kathryn would go above and beyond for any of her patients and their loved ones in such a difficult period. Being a hospice nurse truly requires a depth of emotional support, compassion, understanding, empathy and much more. And for anyone out there who knows a Kleitz those are not too many traits we are born with. Anyone who knew Kathy knew that she was kind, loving, (unless you messed with one her people, especially her son) caring and could smile with the best. She'd move heaven and earth for her son, John J. Kleitz (JJ) and her animals more than anything. She had an immense passion for Hospice, her staff, the patients and families. Kathy was always willing to lend a helping hand if a friend or family needed anything. Kathryn moved from Delaware to McDonough, Georgia in 2005. Upon arriving to Georgia she started at Gentiva hospice for a bit before finding her true second home and some could argue maybe even her first. Sacred Journey Hospice meant so much to Kathy Kleitz. She worked at Sacred Journey for almost 18 years. She worked in the inpatient unit and then admissions, part time just to be around, and about 6 years ago she was elevated to a Director position. She would go to bat and fight for her “team” aka “girls” aka “nurses”. That’s why people loved Kathy so much because she was so passionate about not just her job, but her people. Patients, coworkers and above all the Families of the patients. Being around death all the time as a hospice worker sometimes wasn’t easy due to witnessing different experiences and happenings at the end of life over the years. Kathy believed this brought her tremendous solace and almost a sense of calm that our earthly form is not the end of our time, but we do get to join our loved ones again. We do get to carry on spiritually l, watch over and keep an eye on our loved ones. Kathy was easily fooled, pranked, scared and gullible. To the point it was almost too easy at times, but you knew a good laugh was always ready to follow. She did not always make the best decisions, but was always ready to lay it on the line for her best friend Iesha Tarpley and other friends and co-workers. She had a heart of gold and wore heart on her sleeve. She was preceded in death by her parents: John G. Kleitz Jr. and Sharyn L. Kleitz; and grandparents: John G. Kleitz Sr. and Lois Kleitz. She leaves precious memories to her son, John J. Kleitz; 5 fur babies; 3 pit bulls: Zoey, Jazmine and Jack; and 2 cats: Harley and Buster; aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other family and friends.

Celebration of Life Services for Ms. Kathryn Kleitz

Friday, January 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Watkins Funeral Home McDonough Chapel

96 S. Zack Hinton Parkway

McDonough, Georgia 30253

Public viewing will be held on:

Friday, January 12, 2024 from 12:00 noon -12:45 p.m.

Final Service Entrusted to:

Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium

16961 Kings Highway

Lewes, Delaware 19958

Interment:

Bethel Methodist Cemetery

Savannah Road

Lewes, Delaware 19958

Guest Book

Miss you Kathy

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My prayers are with Kathryn's Family during this time. I've know Kathryn for over Six years she was a joy to work with in the MIPU. Kathryn always had a warm smile and she was always willing to help others. Rest well Kathryn get your rest we shall meet again. God Bless.

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To JJ and Family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences in the loss of your dearly beloved mom. Kathy wiil be deeply missed by myself, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. I too, was raised in Wilmington Delaware and will miss my Delaware Friend/Supervisor deeply. Sleep in Eternal Peace "Delaware"💔🥲🙏🏽 Debbie Benson

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JJ I'm so sorry for the loss you've experienced. She was a great friends that I had the honor of working under. She never treated me like a boss, but like a friend. I will never forget her smile and affection. JJ I will keep you in my prayers. -Susana Moncada

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JJ, your mom was an amazing person and nurse. I had the pleasure of working with her several years ago. She was passionate about those she cared for as well as their families. She will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Atoyia

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JJ, you have my deepest and most sincere condolences. Your mother was a wonderful person and an amazing nurse. We were blessed to have worked with her. She will be missed. Margo Jacob

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JJ, you have my deepest and most sincere condolences. Your mother was a wonderful person and an amazing nurse. We were blessed to have worked with her. She will be missed. Margo Jacob

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JJ, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a wonderful person, a great nurse, and so very thoughtful of others. I will miss her. Linda Poore

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Watkins Funeral Home - McDonough Chapel