Katherine "Kathy" Campen

Katherine Szymanski Campen of Cape Carteret, passed away on Thursday April 10th peacefully at 3 am after a long battle with cancer. 

A celebration of life will be held  at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 107 Middle Court, Cape Carteret, NC 28584.

She is survived by her loving son, Zane Campen and his caring wife, Katie, beautiful granddaughter. Ellianah, former spouse, Floyd, two sisters, Karen Talbert and Mary Jane Carpenter (Chip), one niece, Alex (Jason), nephews, Brooks, Joshua L., Scott, Chris (Michelle), Joshua E., grandnephews, Will, and Michael, grandnieces, Journey, Kate, Kenzie and Zadie.

 Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Chester and Mary Szymanski, one brother, Gary and brother in law, Bill Talbert. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia.

 Kathy grew up in the Ocean View area of Norfolk, Virginia. She was an avid swimmer competing on the state and regional level from ages 6 through 21 winning many awards, selected for the Virginia State All Star Team for three years. She swam on her high school team when girls were first allowed to compete against the boys and qualified for the regional meet her sophomore, junior and senior year. Due to rules in the state where the event was held, she was not allowed to compete until her senior year where she made the semifinals and was the only girl in the entire meet.

 Kathy worked as a lifeguard and as a Water Safety Instructor to earn money to pay for her college education. She was enshrined in her high school Sports Hall of Fame for contributions the Athletic Program at Norfolk Catholic High in 1994. Kathy attended the College William & Mary for two years before transferring to Old Dominion University completing a BS in Biology Cum Laude in 1978. After college, Kathy studied at the Medical College of Virginia Department of Human Genetics. She completed her coursework but did not complete her thesis before getting married and moving to Carteret County in 1983. Her first job was as an educator for the Sickle Cell Agency in Jacksonville, NC. State funding eliminated her position. In this area it was difficult to find work in her field, so Kathy opened a Gourmet Shop, Taste Makers, Inc. in Emerald Isle with a business partner in 1988. They sold the store in 1993.

Next, always interested in learning, Kathy decided to go back the school again and enrolled at Carteret Community College. She earned an Associate Degree in Photographic Technology graduating with a perfect 4.0! Kathy loved film photography as the art released her creative talents and the technical skills satisfied her scientific side especially in the dark room. She had a portrait studio, KC Photo, in Emerald Isle. Kathy was best known for her family and children’s portraits on the beach. Her art photography won many awards including first place in the 1997 North Carolina Seafood Festival Photo Contest, B&W Division for her image, “Cleaning the Catch”. This photograph is archived at the Library of Congress.

Kathy volunteered for many years in the Carteret County School System receiving State of North Carolina Awards from the Governor in 1998 and 2007. Her hobbies were baking, writing, cooking, sailing and sewing.

Kathy’s favorite role in life was being a mother. From the moment of conception, Kathy loved and found joy in every aspect of raising her son, Zane. She celebrates the kind, caring and talented young man he has become. Love you Z!

Kathy’s favorite prayer which she prayed often, please pray it with her today:

The Peace Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

While facing the end of her life, Kathy was so grateful for all the love and support of her family, friends, medical care team and community.

 Every prayer, card, call text, rides to appointments, thoughts and visits were a blessing. She loved her life and her time on earth and hopes that she made a difference, even in a small way to enhance your lives.

In lieu of flowers, it was Kathy’s request that memorial contributions be made to Boy Scouts of America Troop 446 (who helped her in a time of great need) c/o Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church, 100 Yaupon Drive, Cape Carteret, NC 28584 or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City. 

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.noebrooks.net