Kathleen Yamas

Kathleen M. Yamas of Newtown Square, PA, passed away on December 12, 2023. Proud of her Greek heritage, she “marched to a different drummer.” Born in Philadelphia on September 24, 1948, Kathy lived in Drexel Hill until moving to Plainfield, NJ in 1954. While in college she relocated to Malvern, PA where she lived for 36 years before moving to Newtown Square in 2004.

She was the daughter of Curtis and Betty Yamas for whom she was the primary caregiver for many years prior to their passing. She is survived by a sister, Joanne Yurchak, two brothers, James Yamas and Jeffrey Yamas, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. A sister, Jean (Jeff’s twin) predeceased her.

She traveled for many months after graduating from college and then began her first job as a private investigator for Pinkerton’s. During this favorable time for women to advance, she was promoted into management. In the 1976 Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia she was asked to provide personal protection for Mother (now Saint) Teresa. She then worked for over 25 years in the insurance industry before retiring in 2009.

During her lifetime, Kathy traveled extensively, visiting all fifty states, thirty-plus countries, and four continents. She participated in a variety of sports activities including horseback riding, bowling, co-ed softball (which she played until the early 1970’s), and solo skydiving (which she started at age 50 and completed 39 jumps). Her longest sports interest was golf which she played for some time at Edgmont Country Club. When ECC closed, she became very active at Hershey’s Mill Golf Club, where she greatly enjoyed the competition and camaraderie.

Kathy’s volunteer work included driving for Meals on Wheels and working at Bryn Mawr Hospital. She also was a two-time breast cancer survivor.

At the very top of her numerous interests, and her main source of pride and joy, was an incredible affection for all animals. She particularly loved dogs, having grown up with six Collies, a Shetland Sheepdog, and a Shih Tzu. For the past eighteen years, Kathy adopted an array of six older and/or handicapped dogs, and cared for sometimes two of them at a time.

Arrangements will be handled by D’Anjollel Memorial Home in Frazer. At her request, she will be cremated with no services.

To plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Yamas, please visit our Tribute Store.