Kathleen Lee Doubrava, beloved mother and grandmother, got her angel wings at 4:07 PM Saturday, June 22, 2024, with her daughters holding her hands, her Grandma Hill’s table next to her, and her hair and makeup intact. Kathy died after a gradual and then sudden journey with cancer. She was 78 years old and young all at the same time.
Born November 5, 1945, in Willoughby-Eastlake Ohio, Kathy grew up the second of four daughters to the late Thomas and Ruth Hill. She graduated from South High School in 1963. She was also a proud cosmetology school graduate. As a beautician, Kathy got her first real taste of being both independent and of service in the world.
In 1978 Kathy and her husband, Arthur Allen Doubrava, moved as young parents from Ohio to Harrisburg PA
where they lived and loved for the remainder of their lives. Art died on November 2, 2008, and Kathy continued to dance with their perfectly imperfect relationship until her last breath.
If you knew Kathy, you knew she did not like having her picture taken. The picture above of Kathy and Art
dancing, however, was her screensaver that she looked at frequently in the last six weeks of her life. Kathy
spoke candidly of dying and feeling ready to go. She reported excitement to see God and to be comforted
again by one of Art’s hugs. She also looked forward to being joyfully reunited with family fur babies at the rainbow bridge and with loved ones whose stories she often shared with her kids, particularly her beloved Aunt Peggy who died young and whom she named her oldest child after.
Kathy put her heart and soul into whatever work she did, from cutting hair and catering to helping in her
husband’s tuxedo shop. She was particularly proud of her job as a clothing store manager at Strawberry
Square in Harrisburg. Her true calling and purpose though were found in caring for and about young people,
including being an in-home day care provider for family, friends, and neighbors. As a “cool” mom and
grandmother, her home was a safe space where teenagers felt seen and special. As a natural caregiver, Kathy created magical summers and countless memories centered around her porch, pool, and playroom for all children who were blessed to be a part of “Camp Gma.” Kathy retired from babysitting in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
A homebody, Kathy ironically opened her home to many bodies over the years who needed a place to land.
Doors were always unlocked with coffee brewing and the news on in her thoughtfully decorated “housey-
house.” A small but mighty “I am woman hear me roar” kind of woman, Kathy was known to move a piano by
herself in her frequent furniture “floor moves.” She appreciated the art of storytelling through movies and
television, looked forward to watching The Beat with Ari before her ever earlier bedtime, and insisted you take the $20 bill she was handing you because it gave her joy to give to those she loved most. Kathy believed in fighting for democracy, social justice, and the power of the vote, especially with the upcoming presidential election.
When she did venture out, Kathy led with shy Irish charm and an unpretentious curiosity about the person in
front of her. Kathy delighted in discovering the gifts inherent in all human beings and expressing gratitude to the helpers and caregivers of the world. To Kathy, everyone was her “honey.”
Although she never wanted to be no trouble in life or death, Kathy’s passionate views, flirty wit, and big-hearted ways will nonetheless be profoundly missed by her devoted loved ones and family of friends, her longtime neighbors in Crooked Hill Farms, and her “girl posse” who received daily musings and photo memories from her in their group text.
Kathy’s co-survivors in this crazy little thing called life and love include, and are certainly not limited to: Her daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Doubrava and Debra “Debbie” Doubrava (Keith Fair, husband), god-daughter, Alexa Peckham (Sam Phillips, partner), bff, Cheryl Miranda (Humberto Miranda, husband), sister, Catherine“Cat” Hill (John Valore, husband), sister-in-law, Annie (Doubrava) Hedges, cousins (Bruce, Chrissy, and Tommy) and grandchildren from oldest to youngest, Alice Williams (Temi Oyefeso, wife), Jonas Robin (Kylee McMaster, partner), Lily Robin (Nate Altaf, partner), Gretchen Fair, Sloane Phillips, and Nolan Phillips.
As she wished, Kathy was cremated without a viewing or service. A love fest celebration of Kathy’s life will be
hosted by her family on Saturday August 3, 2024 from 1-3 PM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York PA.
Condolences and memories are also welcomed to be shared directly with her loved ones or via email to
Debbie Doubrava at ddoubrav@gmail.com.
Donations in Kathy’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU), or SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care & Hospice of York, PA.
Rest in peace and dance in eternal comfort and joy dearest Kathy!
You continue to be oh so loved. xxxooo