Kathryn Ann (Gilbo) Reese

October 21, 2025

Kathryn Ann (Gilbo) Reese passed away Oct 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on December 27, 1944, Kathy graduated from McCaskey High School in 1963 where she was active in synchronized swimming, cheerleading, social committee and later as an equestrian.

Kathy attended Paul Smith College in New York where she studied culinary arts and hospitality, a passion that would become a hallmark of her life. Kathy loved entertaining, professionally as a private caterer, but most of all for her friends and family. Kathy’s private parties were legendary in scale and sophistication. She applied her boundless creativity to produce special events at Dodona Manor, the home of General George C. Marshall, and the historic Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, Virginia. Her volunteer efforts helped raise funds for historic preservation and botanical garden projects. She believed in the power of beautiful, welcoming environments to bring people together. For many, her love language was food.

Kathy was known for her unmatched ability to curate and grow extensive flower gardens. She used her horticultural expertise, well beyond her homes in Yardley, Pennsylvania and Leesburg, Virginia. Kathy developed community beautification projects through several Garden Clubs and horticultural societies. She brought her gardens indoors with visionary and elaborate flower arranging. Kathy’s magnificent displays adorned her homes, numerous weddings, and private events.

Above all, her family brought Kathy the most joy. She is survived by her son Scott Reese, wife Patti Darwin, daughter Emily Pfaff, and husband Keith Pfaff. Her six grandchildren were the center of Kathy’s life. Grandsons Victor, Edward and Alistair Reese and granddaughters Rabea, Annika and Ava Pfaff. Kathy also leaves behind her sister, Mary Alice Kottmeyer, and brother-in-law Walt Kottmeyer; sister Jeannie Boehner and brother-in-law Edward Boehner; In-laws Timothy and Patricia Reese; James Reese; and Nada Reese. She also cherished her many nieces and nephews. Kathy is preceded in death by Sandy Reese and Richard Reese.

Kathy joins her beloved husband, the love of her life, Edward G. Reese II, in eternal rest.

A memorial service will be held at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz PA 17543 on Saturday, November 15th. The family will receive guests beginning at 12:30 pm with a memorial beginning at 1:30 pm. A casual reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests a visit to one of Kathy’s most beloved places, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA, or a donation in memory of her passion for land preservation to Natural Lands.