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Obituary for Kathy L. Tompkins

Kathy Lynn Tompkins (nee Wheat) long time resident of Havertown, Pennsylvania, at age 65 passed away suddenly on October 12th, 2019.

 

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Timothy Tompkins. Devoted mother of Laura (Thomas) Haynes and Ryan (Lauren) Tompkins. Adoring grandmother of her cherished grandchildren, Tyler Haynes and Noelle Tompkins. Daughter of Florence (and the late Samuel) Wheat, sister of Gail (George) Bowersox and Mark Wheat. Kathy was called home to be with her niece Tara Gaberlein, brother in-law Terry Tompkins, her afore-mentioned husband and father, as well as other loved ones.

Kathy was born in Philadelphia, was proud to be raised in Ridley Park, and stayed true to her Delco roots. She was a graduate of Ridley High School, attended Pierce College and worked as a paralegal for several years before meeting the love of her life working at Commonwealth Land & Title. Kathy and Tim married in 1971, and had many great times with friendswhile living in Woodbury, NJ. They never lost their childlike spirit and would even play hide and seek as adults.  Things changed up a bit with the introduction of their first child, Laura, they purchased a home at Westgate Hills in Havertown, thiswould be the family home for the remainder of their life together. Nothing excited Kathy more than becoming a mother, and it was clear to everyone around her that she had found her purpose in life. With the addition of her son Ryan, the Tompkins clan and her life were complete.

No mother could have showered their kids with more love than Kathy. From the simple joys of their early childhood, creating the most magical holidays a kid could imagine, and recognizing every event and milestone in her unique way. She was a stay at home Mom, who was never home. She was always involved in Ryan and Laura’s life in every aspect. She was the PTO President for Lynnewood Elementary, a constant homeroom and sports Mom. She was on every school committee that she could sign up for and was one of the first ever “Den Moms” in Cub Scouts.

The love that she had for her kids could only be matched by her complete love and adoration for her grandkids. Her darling grandson Tyler leading the way, and some years later along came her little princess Noelle. No detail was missed in making their lives as absolutely perfect and magical as their parents, she never missed a beat. From adventure days with Tyler, which included trips to the Herr’s Factory, Harlem Globetrotters, sporting events and local theatre just to name a few. With Noelle, Grandmom did things such as going to the aquarium, crafting murals on the sliding glass door, and the social media hit “Cooking with Noelle”. It wasn’t only about the big moments or events, which was there was plenty of, she was elated to care for them on a daily basis.

Kathy was a loving, thoughtful, and kind-hearted wife. As much as they enjoyed the silly adventures of their youth, they grew to love their typical suburban life. Kathy loved planning theme-based parties, homemade board games and going way over the top decorating for the holidays. Summers in the Wildwoods were a staple in the Tompkins household, a tradition Kathy carried over from her childhood. Some of our fondest memories were collecting “Cape May diamonds” at The Pointe, entire days on the Crest beach, afterwards going home to enjoy dinners and intense PokerKeeno or Uno games. Later in life, Tim and Kathy enjoyed the simple moments, getting their evening Dunkin Donuts and watching reruns of King of Queens, Seinfeld and Everybody Loves Raymond. They didn’t need or want to go to the latest and greatest restaurant, they truly just appreciated being around each other. Watching the way they led with love was truly something to model a relationship after. It shouldn’t shock anyone that Kathy was sent to be back with her Timmy after just 4 years being apart.  

Kathy cherished her countless friendships. The central focus of her life was always the people that she loved, channeling her creativity for the benefits of others. Surrounding herself with the affections of her puppy dogs and cats. If she had one wish, it would be to slow down, smell the roses, act with kindness and appreciate the small wonders that life has to offer.

Family and friends are invited for Visitation at 10 am, Memorial Service at 11 am on Monday, October 21st at the Chapel of Peace at West Laurel Hill Cemetery (225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Animal Shelter in Media, PA (www.providenceAC.org