Obituary of Elizabeth Kathleen Leipman

On Tuesday, December 1, 2021, Elizabeth Kathleen “Kathy” Leipman of Hilton Head, SC passed away at the age of 73.

Having been born in Seattle, WA, Kathy spent most of her childhood and early adult life in Richmond, VA. She graduated from Tucker High School and attended James Madison College (music) and Virginia Commonwealth University (biology). Kathy moved to Georgia where she raised her family and had a successful career in the insurance industry. She retired in 2008 and eventually moved to Hilton Head with her husband Ken.

Music was always a love and passion for Kathy. From an early age, she sang with her two sisters and learned to play guitar. Prior to attending college, Kathy toured with her band. She was well on her way to being a professional musician until she was forced to stop due to nodules on her vocal cords. She continued to keep music a part of her life and shared that love with everyone around her. She played guitar and sang for, and with, friends and family. Kathy radiated joy when experiencing and playing music.

She loved to cook, always trying new recipes, and making old favorites. She was a welcoming hostess and never had a stranger in her house. Kathy loved her family more than anything and did extensive genealogy research, especially into her Norwegian lineage. She connected with many relatives both in person and virtually, keeping track of each new family member and proudly sharing the tales with everyone she could. She loved to travel, jumping at every opportunity. In retirement, she traveled to Europe, particularly Norway, many times with her husband. Aruba also held a special place in their hearts.

Kathy is survived by her husband Ken Leipman, her children and their spouses Keith Martin (Maria Linderoth); Eric Martin (Anna Marie); Elizabeth Montgomery (Jason); grandchildren Kaitlin Montgomery and Miles Martin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is proceeded in death by her parents Rolf and Elizabeth Martin, and her sisters Karen Kaye and Sally Patsios.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 2 pm-5 pm at 101 Berwick Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29926. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society or Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Kathy’s memory.