Kathy Bebe

Kathleen Greaney Bebe, known as Kathy, passed peacefully in her home on July 15 th with her two sons by her side. She was a remarkable woman who led a dynamic life and finally succumbed to cancer after a three-year-long battle. Born on January 14, 1943 in Buffalo, New York as the middle daughter of three precocious girls, her parents, Bill and Vera, had their hands full working to channel her incredible energy and enthusiasm. Kathy, as a youngster was silly, fun and quite the prankster with her sister Carol(insert fun Mom anecdote). After her family moved to southern California, Kathy's passion for giving back and helping others manifested itself in a dedication to religious life at 17 years old. Kathy's devotion to The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary order led her to be an educator. In 1971 she made the decision to leave the order and married Joseph Bebe in San Francisco where they had two sons, Jonathan and David. The family moved to Salem, Oregon in 1979 where Kathy furthered her passion as an educator in the Salem-Keizer community. She quickly became a leader in the school system cultivating and developing innovative programs with a focus on equality and children first. Kathy was a pioneer in challenging the status quo and that forward thinking garnered great respect from her staff, students and their families. The Salem-Keizer school district benefited from her role in programs which included Hands are not for Hurting and Dental Health Solutions for Children non-profits. Kathy was highly respected and loved as a principal initiating many successful programs and practices that to this day continue to support healthy school cultures. As a district administrator, Kathy mentored principals and staff always with a focus on empowering them to help their students to succeed. She recognized the importance of each child, and the benefits of promoting the loving roles that parents and teachers play within every school's mission. While this may be the legacy that Kathy left to all of us on a professional level it barely scratches the surface of what a magnetic and fun loving person Kathy was in life. She was very proud of her Irish roots and this culminated in an adventure with her sons to the green Isle for her 70th birthday. Always passionate and supportive throughout her life of the arts, Kathy appreciated opera, classical music, literature and painting. She gave both financially and advocated for artists from the time she lived in San Francisco to her passing. Gardening was a true calling to Kathy and she took pride in her beautiful serene gardens, often people would pass by and pause to appreciate her beautiful yard. Kathy never stopped laughing, loving and extending generosity to every and anyone that would cross her path. Whether she knew it or not she created a multi-generational, ongoing, living network of care, love and joy on a daily basis. Though she may have lost her dear parents Bill and Vera Greaney and sister, Carol Mutz, there are many storytellers left to pass on her beautiful legacy. These include her sister, Letty Stopper, her sons Jonathan (Mandy) and David (Jamecyn), three grandsons (Augie, Quinn and Declan) and family, Joe and Joyce Bebe all of whom could tell you stories about Kathy Bebe for days on end. Her loved goldendoodle Riley may not be able to tell you a story but he will surely wag his tail and smile about her. In this time of pandemic, Kathy's request is that small groups gather as they feel comfortable to enjoy each other's company and share memories of her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy's name to an organization that advocates for social justice, equality, education or animal rights.