Kathryn Lee Henry, 85

December 16, 2025

Kathryn Lee Henry “Kay”, 85, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, surrounded by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth F. (Campbell) and Edward C. Kirchner.

Kathryn was the beloved wife of William “Bill” Henry, with whom she shared more than 50 years of marriage—a partnership rooted in faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to family and community. Together, they built a home defined by open doors, open hearts, and unconditional love. At their dining room table, there was always room for one more.

A devoted member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Kathryn lived her faith through action. Her life’s work was centered on caring for others, especially children in need. She served as a foster parent to

more than 135 children, offering safety, guidance, and love to those who needed it most including court adjudicated teens, medically compromised infants, children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and those with mental or behavioral health special needs. Her dedication to helping families extended through her role as a parent trainer for Lancaster County Children and Youth and as a house parent at the Milton Hershey School, where she helped shape young lives with patience and grace.

Kathryn also single-handedly coordinated the Road to Recovery program in Lancaster for over five years, providing hope and support to countless individuals. In recognition of her extraordinary service and impact, she was honored with the Lancaster Red Rose Award. She remained actively involved with Catholic Charities, COBYS, and other community

organizations, always answering the call when help was needed. Above all, Kathryn was a mother in every sense of the word. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill, and her children: Michael Shepps, James Shepps, Terrance Shepps, Jon Semagnis, Melissa Henry, Robert Henry, Will Matthews, Patrick Henry, Iesha Rosario, and Erika Taltoan. She was the proud grandmother to Jessica, Justin, Joshua, Kristi, Kevin, Nora, Emily, Gabriel, Ezekiel, Emerson, Jameson, Iverson

and great-grandmother to many, each of whom was a source of immense joy in her life.

She is also survived by her siblings: Sharon Tarves of New Jersey; Gregory Kirchner of North Carolina; James Kirchner, Sr. of Lancaster; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Tommy, and her siblings: Lisa Rubell and Dale Gerfin whom she

carried in her heart always. Kathryn’s legacy is one of service, faith, and boundless love. The lives she touched—both within her family and far beyond—stand as a testament to a life beautifully lived.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service.