Tributes

Dolores J.Kephart, May 22, 1933 -December 30, 2006. Loving, gentle, kind, self-effacing, intelligent, and generous: Lore Kephart exemplified these qualities, and lived a life that was both beautiful in itself and brought beauty to the lives of her family and her enormous circle of friends. Lore grew up in SW Philadelphia, was president of her class at Bartram High School and a devoted member of Southwestern Presbyterian Church for which, later in life, she had commissioned a stained glass window. After devoting herself completely to raising three gifted children, she developed and discovered aspects of herself that had long been deferred, among them the ability to generate braille documents. Then, overcoming untold physical adversity, Lore commenced her college education in 1980. Six years later, she graduated as valedictorian of the Villanova University undergraduate class of 1986. Lore then worked tirelessly through Villanova and through the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church to improve the public's appreciation of history and world affairs. She founded the Villanova University Student History Journal, which is still being published annually. Through the church's Presbyterian Women's organization, she conducted for nearly twenty years a monthly Great Decisions course under the auspices of the Foreign Policy Association, mostly at Rosemont Presbyterian Village. She was well-loved and appreciated for her lectures, and for her ability to attract a series of very distinguished speakers. In December 2004, she celebrated the publication of her book, "Paths to Prayer - A Little Book of New Testament Devotions"; a followup book is planned for publication in late 2007. Lore was a prolific but unheralded philanthropist, fundamentally improving the lives of many people from all walks of life through her own gifts of money, energy, and creativity, and by encouraging and inspiring charity in others through Bryn Mawr Presbyterian and other channels. Lore, who was struck down by severe illness during the last few months of her life, is survived by her adoring husband of 50 years, Kep, her three children - Jeff, Beth and Janice - and six grandchildren. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be organized at a later time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Rosemont Presbyterian Village or to the "Stop Child Abuse Now" organization. Chadwick and McKinney Funeral Home, Inc www.chadwickmckinney.com

Tributes

Dolores J. Kephart

April 22, 1933 - December 30, 2006