Mary Carolyn Kerkhoff May 17, 1929 - December 28, 2023

Mary Carolyn Kerkhoff, known to most as Peachee, passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 94, surrounded by her children, on December 28th, 2023. She brought her own unique style of fun and natural joy, while helping everyone around her to share in it. Peachee was born May 17th, 1929, to Edwin and Elsie (Geisen) Purcell. They lived in Covington, Kentucky, and Fort Thomas, Kentucky during her childhood. She was the youngest of five children and was preceded in death by Brant Purcell, Janet (Purcell) Maurer, Jim Purcell, and Marty (Purcell) Kirchner. She earned her high school diploma and formed life-long friendships at Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, Kentucky. In 1949, she married Navy veteran, Edward Kerkhoff. They were blessed with 66 years of joyful marriage and seven children, all who survive her: Karen Kerkhoff Gromada (Joe, deceased), Jim Kerkhoff (Betsy Madden), Betsy Kerkhoff Jacquez (Henry), Kathy Kerkhoff Coffelt, Eric Kerkhoff (Joni, deceased; LaVerne Grouzard), Anne Kerkhoff Harrison (David), and Marti Kerkhoff. She was further blessed with 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Peachee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed; grandson, Brandon Gromada; granddaughter, Sarah Kerkhoff; daughter-in-law, Joni Kerkhoff, and son-in-law, Joe Gromada MD. She dedicated her life to her family and delighted in creating a warm and welcoming home. Peachee had a talent for decorating and flower arranging, which brought her much joy. She was a faithful member of Mother of God Church in Covington, Kentucky, where she and Ed were married. She found great solace and strength in her faith. Peachee had an entrepreneurial spirit, which led to opening a wedding photography business with Ed in Mason, Ohio, while raising their family. She later opened a retail store, Life of the Party, a party and wedding planning boutique. When her children were grown, she worked as an insurance coordinator in county government. She organized events around the country for Ed's Naval SeaBees WWII Company to meet for reunions. She was a proud longtime member of the Fort Thomas chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Along with her surviving sisters-in-law, Joanne (Kerkhoff) Schunder and Sue (Kerkhoff) Hinkel, she is much loved by many special nieces and nephews. She kept friendships in all the places she lived, including her recent years at Barrington in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Since the middle of 2022, she resided with her daughter Betsy and son-in-law Henry Jacquez in Cincinnati, Ohio, until the time of her death. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 10:00 am to11:45 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at noon, on Saturday January 6th, 2024 at Mother of God Church, 119 W 6th St, Covington, Kentucky 41011. Burial will take place at Mother of God Cemetery in Fort Wright, Kentucky following Mass. A celebration of Peachee's life will be held that afternoon. Details will be available at her funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Kerkhoff to: The Brandon C. Gromada Head and Neck Foundation gromadacancerfndn.org/donate or c/o the Gromada Foundation, 7809 Laurel Ave., Ste. 10, Cincinnati, OH 45243. Contributions can also be made to Notre Dame Academy at ndapandas.org or 1699 Hilton Dr, Park Hills, KY 41011. May the memories of Mary Carolyn (Peachee) Kerkhoff, bring comfort and peace to her loved ones during this difficult time.

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Herbert T. Walker III and Walker Funeral Home  are  honored to serve the Kerkhoff family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.