Kathryn M. Lepore

Kathryn Marie Lepore, 82, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by family.

Kathryn was born in Chicago, IL, on April 24, 1943, to Michael and Ann Gluchman. She was the eldest of four children and the only daughter. In her late teens, Kathryn moved from Chicago to New York City, where she met and married Nicholas Lepore. She received a BA and then an MA in Fine Arts from Hunter College, and later, after moving upstate, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from SUNY Albany.

Kathryn began her career as a sculptor and welder. After settling in a small community upstate, she worked for the sculptor George Rickey at his studio in New Lebanon, NY. Years later, after completing her MSW, she worked in foster care and adoption before becoming a therapist for children and families through the Center for Disability Services (CDS) in Albany, NY. She retired from CDS but maintained a small private practice well into her seventies.

For nearly fifty years, Kathryn cultivated a wide network of friends and colleagues in communities from Albany, NY, to Pittsfield, MA. She loved living in the valley and was a dedicated member of her local community, where she raised two children alongside her husband. A woman of faith, Kathryn was a longtime member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pittsfield, MA, and a devoted congregant of Church of Our Saviour in New Lebanon, NY. Her faith in a creator was matched only by her commitment to people and service. She was active during the civil rights movement, a strong supporter of educational and disability services for children, a champion of equity and inclusion for all, and a passionate advocate for children throughout her career as a licensed clinical social worker.

Kathryn never lost her creative spark. She painted, knit, and crafted; she was an exceptionally talented cook and baker. She loved cooking shows and collected endless recipes, which she eagerly shared with friends-and she was always quick to restock their refrigerators. She was a voracious reader, enjoying everything from biographies and fiction to thrillers. She loved the news and the weekend paper, and was never without a crossword puzzle or the Spelling Bee. Kathryn was quick-witted, kind, and endlessly generous.

Above all, Kathryn treasured her family. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Alexandra Lepore. She was a devoted mother to Kristen Lepore and a loving mother-in-kind to her daughter-in-law, Elinoar Astrinsky. She was the cherished grandmother of Alexander and Netanela, who were among her greatest joys-and for whom she was the same. She is also survived by her brothers, Michael Gluchman and Robert Gluchman, as well as a large extended family of nieces and nephews and a dear community of friends.

Kathryn's "best man," her cat Charlie, was her devoted companion.

The Lepore family extends heartfelt thanks to the cardiac ICU and cardiac surgical teams at Albany Medical Center-most especially her nursing staff-for their compassion and care.

Kathryn's life was one of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to others. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral Mass on Saturday, November 22, at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 67 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Interment will follow immediately at the Cemetery of the Evergreens, 382 Cemetery Rd., New Lebanon, NY 12125.