K.B. Weinrich, CEO of bakery
Kathryn B. Weinrich, 80, the public face of Weinrich's Bakery in Willow Grove and a dedicated volunteer, died Friday, Oct. 23, of Alzheimer's disease at St. Joseph's Manor in Huntingdon Valley.
Kathryn B. Weinrich, 80, the public face of Weinrich's Bakery in Willow Grove and a dedicated volunteer, died Friday, Oct. 23, of Alzheimer's disease at St. Joseph's Manor in Huntingdon Valley.
Known as "Kippy," Mrs. Weinrich was born in Atlantic City and grew up in Ventnor, N.J. She graduated from Atlantic City High School, where she met Edward Weinrich. The two married in 1956 and started their life together in Honolulu, where he was serving in the Army.
After the couple returned to the Philadelphia area, he worked in the family's bakery business. After 10 years at home with their children, Mrs. Weinrich joined him.
It was her husband's dream to operate the bakery, and it did not take her long to learn the complexities of operating a small business. She quickly became the CEO and public face of the bakery, giving her dealings with the public from behind the counter a personal flavor.
"She especially liked to greet families with small children with a cookie or a cupcake, and loved to see the children light up with enjoyment," her family said.
Mrs. Weinrich not only juggled working and raising a family, she found time to travel the world with her husband and a retinue of family and friends. She often returned to the Jersey Shore, hosting family gatherings at her Ventnor home.
A busy volunteer, Mrs. Weinrich served on the American Cancer Society board of directors for 25 years, having lost a childhood friend to breast cancer.
She was public-information director for the society's Montgomery County branch. In recognition of the education campaigns she designed, she was awarded the national Ruby Award for Excellence in Public Education.
At age 52, Mrs. Weinrich became a freshman at Villanova University, following the example of her husband and sons, all of whom were 'Nova graduates.
Mrs. Weinrich will be remembered as a matriarch and family historian who delivered lessons of grace, optimism, love, and wisdom, her relatives said.
Besides her husband, she is survived by sons Ted, Michael, Herman, John, and Stephen; 14 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
A viewing from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the George Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 1500 Old York Rd., Abington, is to be followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 602 West Ave., Jenkintown. Burial is private.
Donations may be made to St. Joseph's Manor, 1616 Huntingdon Pike, Meadowbrook, Pa. 19046.
610-313-8102