Kathleen Faye Earl OBITUARY

(1932 – 2024) The indomitably spirited Kathleen Faye Earl née Argue passed unexpectedly but peacefully to join God and many of her beloved family and friends on the afternoon of Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Madison, Wis. She was surrounded by her devoted husband of 73 years, Ralph F. Earl, her children, Debra, James, and Christopher Earl, her daughter-in-law, Cathy Earl, and her granddaughter, Amanda Kathleen Earl, who held her so dear. Kathleen fulfilled her goal of seeing Amanda earn her Ph.D. from Columbia University in NYC just two weeks ago, where she beamed with pride during the ceremony; this was just the culmination of a rich and enriching life during which she wanted for neither adventure nor accomplishments. Kathleen, born in 1932 in Los Angeles, Calif., to Alfred and Bertha (née Berry) Argue, graduated from Washington High School, studied at Parsons School of Design in LA, and graduated from the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. She had an international career, playing a crucial role in her husband’s appointments working for the Foreign Service, US Department of State. As a longtime resident of Haverford, Pa., Kathleen served as an advocate for children as a board member of the Ardmore YMCA. In 2021 Kathleen and Ralph created a nonprofit, the Kathleen F. and Ralph F. Earl Foundation, to provide funding for underserved K-12 students to succeed academically. Kathleen was deeply committed to her loved ones. A dear friend wrote: “In a world obsessed with racial, economic and political differences, we adored how easily and naturally Kathleen chose to focus on the commonality of people’s hearts. As a result, she befriended those who were kind and authentic regardless of their dissimilarities.” She was pure-of-heart and one-of-a-kind. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Bertha (née Berry) Argue; her brother, Milton Argue; and sister-in-law, Barbara Argue. As a guardian angel Kathleen will be watching over her loving husband, children and children-in-law; her sister, Annalee (Jason) Brandt; and her loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews who survive her. A service to honor Kathleen’s life will be held privately in Madison, Wis., on Thursday, June 6, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by check to the Kathleen F. and Ralph F. Earl Foundation at 16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE 19958 or to a preferred charity in loving memory of Kathleen Earl. A full obituary may be viewed and online condolences made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761