Kathleen Irwin Morel

Kathleen Irwin Morel, 68 of Keswick, Virginia passed away on November 25, 2021 at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond, Virginia after a brief illness.

Born September 7, 1953 in Warner Robins, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Christopher Findlay Irwin, Jr. and Kathleen Chambers Irwin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Abel Justin Morel. She is survived by her son, Jared Morel, and his wife Emma and grandson Justin of Charlottesville, VA, her brother Chris Irwin and his wife Ray of Sandersville, Georgia, and her sister Pendery McCoy and her husband Scotty of Sandersville, Georgia, as well as her nephew Chris and nieces Meredith, Leigh and Ivy. She also leaves behind a community of dear friends.

Kathy attended Brenau University, before graduating from Georgia State University. After graduating, she worked at Yerkes National Primate Research Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Her love of horses brought her to Virginia, where she worked caring for and transporting show horses, and helped to start the University of Virginia Sleep Lab. During this time, she met Abel and they were married in 1983. Together they ran Abel’s carpentry business and built their dream home. After their son Jared was born, Kathy worked at Beau Pre Kindergarten as an assistant teacher. Her greatest work was raising her son, Jared.

An avid sports fan, Kathy loved cheering on the Hoos. She had many pets throughout her life and cared for them all deeply. She enjoyed cooking and reading cookbooks, and was always excited to share a new recipe. In her last years she found a new joy, being a wonderful “Grammy” to her grandson, Justin. She will be lovingly remembered for her strong will, sharp wit, and her giving heart.

A private burial will be held for the family, and a celebration of life will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA to honor Kathy’s lifelong love of animals.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com .

This is a courtesy announcement by May & Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville, Georgia.