Kathleen "Kathy" Schramm (Kopec), 57, of Lewisburg, Tennessee passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Kathy was born in Auburn, New York, to Barbara Kopec and James Kopec. She attended St. Hyacinth's School in Auburn NY, graduated from Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls and continued her education at Cayuga Community College and Herkimer College in New York State.
Kathy had a vibrant spirit and a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She found joy in attending concerts, cheering on the New York Giants, thrifting for hidden treasures, and most of all spending time with those she loved.
Kathy's greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her two cherished children, Justin Journell and Kaleigh Journell; husband, Donald Schramm; her devoted mother, Barbara Kopec; sisters Karen Kopec and Deborah Kopec of Auburn, NY; brother Christopher (Kimberly Leonard) Kopec of Port Crane, NY; her niece Jordan Pinckney Robbins and her beloved grandchildren Luna Journell, Jasper Journell, Gavin, Ellie-May, and Karter Schramm.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Kopec and her best friend, Janna Walsh.
Kathy's strength and courage were evident throughout her battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer. She received outstanding care from the doctors at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Maury Regional Medical Center, where her journey began, as well as Tennessee Oncology. Kathy was passionate about helping others and participated in numerous clinical trials, always hopeful that her efforts might aid in advancing treatments for others facing similar battles.
Her warmth, independence, and unyielding love for her family and friends will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Kathy's legacy of kindness, generosity, and resilience will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
We are currently planning a Celebration of Life to be held in New York in the coming months. We will share the details as soon as arrangements have been finalized.
Schramm, Kathleen
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