Kathy Wood Kopnisky

Kathy Wood Kopnisky, a woman whose warmth and compassion touched the lives of many, passed away on September 14, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and friends in her favorite place in the world, Kiawah Island, South Carolina.  Born August 5, 1957, in Greenville, Pennsylvania, Kathy brought boundless love and happiness into the world.

Kathy was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to her family.  She graduated from Grove City College with a BA in Education in 1979 and began teaching High School English.  That June she married Jack Kopnisky and set off on a wild, hectic, wonderful life together for the past 44 years.  Together they built a strong and loving family that brought so much joy into Kathy’s life.  She was immensely proud of her three children and their spouses, Joseph (Miranda), Dane (Jaclyn) and Maggie (Charles Svirk).   As a mother, Kathy showered unconditional love upon each of them and reveled in celebrating the accomplishments both big and small.  She also enjoyed and supported Dom Morris as a member of the family.

Her real joy was her 6 grandchildren, Vivian (9), Parker (8), Gwen (7), Davis (5), Lilah (4), and Charlie (1). They were the light of her life as she helped each parent in the first year of each grandchild by living with and helping support their care.  She will always be with them along every journey in their lives. Her love and support as a Mimi will never be forgotten.

Kathy was a great sister to Beth (Jim Haslett), brother Chip and sister-in-law, Jill (Tim Clark) along with her terrific nieces and nephews.  Her parents, Charles and Joan Wood provided a fantastic foundation for her life.  Her many friends played a vital role in her life.  Many of her friends would describe her as the happiest and most positive person in the world. Her generous spirit and personality were contagious to everyone around her.

Kathy was also known for her fabulous sense of fashion bringing meaning to the Lilly Pulitzer brand, which she assisted her daughter in opening up a retail store. She was also very fond and passionate about home design and decoration.  She had an exceptional ability to bring life into the many homes over the years. Kathy had such a love for the beach and you could always smile each morning receiving a beautiful sunrise photo. She never missed a morning walk on the beach and there was an overwhelming amount of miles stepped on Kiawah Island. The beach is something that will always shine in memory of Kathy.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman who touched our lives in profound ways, let us remember Kathy as a beacon of kindness and compassion.  Her legacy as a partner with Jack, dedicated mother and grandmother (Mimi), great sister, loyal friend, and spirited adventurer will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.  May Kathy’s memory continue to inspire us to live with the same passion, empathy, and zest for life that defined her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:00am at the Johns Island Presbyterian Church, 2550 Bohicket Road, Johns Island, SC 29455 with the Rev. Dr. Jeri Parris Perkins officiating. Following the service, family and friends will gather at Jack and Kathy’s residence on Kiawah Island at 12:00pm for a celebration of her life. There will also be a celebration on the beach, Kathy’s favorite place at 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donation be made to Summer Search NYC where Kathy supported the development of many students from challenged backgrounds.   You can donate through Summersearch.org/donate.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.