Obituary of Kathleen Mary Leifels-Geerin

Kathleen Mary Leifels-Geerin June 23, 1948 - January 22, 2025 Resident of Houston, Texas Kathleen Mary Leifels-Geerin passed away peacefully at the age of 76, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Kathleen was born in Port Jefferson, New York. She graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz and dedicated her career to teaching art to special education children. She was a nurturing individual who lovingly cared for her mother and husband during their illnesses. Kathleen had a lifelong passion for creating and making beautiful things. She was a proficient seamstress, an excellent gourmet chef, and a talented gardener. She loved animals—especially cats and dogs—and had a special gift for nurturing all living things around her. She will be most remembered for her great love with her husband, Tom, whom she met in 1975 and married in 1985, her deep love of the arts, and her enthusiasm for discussing current events and politics. Kathleen was always well-informed and enjoyed engaging in meaningful conversations. Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. In honor of Kathy's legacy and her passion for the arts, donations to a museum of your choice or to art education programs would be greatly appreciated. Kathleen is survived by her stepdaughter, Michele Alvarez; her stepdaughter, Lenore Chen, and husband Frank; her stepson, Curt Geerin; her cherished grandchildren, Colette, Christian, and Curtie; and her great-grandnephew, Shawn Rosenberg. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Wittman Geerin, PhD; her stepson, Christian Geerin; her father, Robert Maurice Leifels I, PhD; her mother, Clarice Baker Leifels; her brother, Robert Maurice Leifels II; and her niece, Claire Leifels. A memorial service will be held at the graveside on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Cruz Memorial Park, 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.