Kathleen Emenecker

Kathleen’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a strong, loving woman with a wonderful sense of humor, always up for a good time, and a zest for life. No one enjoyed her quite like her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Grammy. Some of their fondest memories included the best sleepovers, chocolate chip pancakes in the morning, and trips to Starbucks, where Grammy would order her favorite Green Tea Frappuccino. “I’m going to Grammy’s” was perhaps the sweetest sentence a grandchild could say. She spoiled her grandchildren with love and affection and always made sure they had anything their hearts desired.

Kathleen was born on August 9, 1943, in Philadelphia. Her family later moved from Philadelphia to Maple Shade and eventually to Westville. At approximately 15 years old, she left high school to help run the family camera store, “Jack’s Cameras,” alongside her parents, Jack and Emelia Kaschuk. In the years that followed, she worked at her family’s auto body shop, Wawa, as a pharmacy technician, and in administration at a long-term care facility. Above all, her greatest calling and most cherished role was that of a mother and grandmother.

Kathleen was known for her love of cooking and her ability to make everyone feel at home through her comforting homemade meals. Her specialties included spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli with sauce, stuffed peppers, meatloaf, roast beef, baked macaroni, cheesecakes, and cookies. Her homemade pierogies, a treasured family recipe passed down from her mother, were especially meaningful.

Kathleen had quite the sweet tooth, especially when it came to chocolate. She could easily finish an entire bag, all while joking that she was allergic to it. She was also known for her sense of humor and her familiar comments about the temperature, often saying, “It’s too hot” or “It’s too cold in here.” These little quirks were part of what made Kathleen so special and will surely bring smiles to those who remember her.

Christmas was Kathleen’s favorite time of year. She loved crocheting, cross-stitching, working on puzzles, creating arts and crafts, and making special ornaments for the Christmas tree. She enjoyed shopping, and if the television was on, it was almost certainly tuned to the Hallmark Channel—even during her time in rehabilitation. When she wasn’t watching television, she could often be found enjoying a James Patterson, Stephon King, or Nicholas Sparks’s novel.

Kathleen also enjoyed playing bingo and had a special love for cats and dogs, Thomas Kinkade paintings, and spending time in her favorite place, Ocean City. Above all, Kathleen was a woman of deep faith. She was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Kathleen will be remembered for her warmth, her humor, her love of family, and the many special memories and traditions she leaves behind.

She raised four children: Terry Humes (David), Raymond Emenecker Jr. (the late Linda), Stephanie Urbanski and Kathleen Simkins (Jim) and is survived by her grandchildren, David, Rachael, Kyrsten, Brandon, Brianna, Brynne, Evan, Lucas, Brianna, and Julia; her great-granddaughter, Scottie and her brother, Steve Kaschuk. She was preceded in death by her parents Emelia Kaschuk (nee Sajda), Jacob (Jack) Kaschuk, her granddaughter, Alexa, and her sister, Maria Kachuck-Watson. She is also survived by her ex-husband Raymond T. Emenecker Sr.

Come celebrate 83 great years Thursday November 5, 9-11 a.m.at Mark C. Tilghman Funeral Home, 38 North Forklanding Road, Maple Shade where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Burial will follow at Locustwood Cemetery, Cherry Hill.