Kathy LeClaire Haehnel, of Brevard, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 31, surrounded by the place and people she loved. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, and a lifelong educator whose influence reached far beyond the classroom.

Kathy spent her life teaching and learning. As an educator with Transylvania County Schools, she poured her heart into her work, believing deeply in the potential of every student. Teaching was never just a career for her—it was a calling, and one she fulfilled with grace, intelligence, and unwavering dedication.

She was born in Greenwich, NY and moved to Brevard in her high school years. Kathy was deeply rooted in her community and family history. She graduated from Brevard High School and went on to pursue higher education with determination, ultimately earning her PhD from the University of South Carolina. Her love of history, learning, travel, and service also found a meaningful home through her active membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She served as former president, and current chaplain of the Waightstill Avery Chapter.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles LeClaire and Jean LeClaire, who instilled in her a strong sense of values, curiosity, and commitment to education—qualities she carried throughout her life.

Above all else, Kathy loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Don Haehnel, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion; her daughter, Claire Gasperson (Tim), granddaughter, and Isabella Smith (Brandon), who brought her immense joy and pride.

Other survivors include her brother Charles LeClaire (Kathy), and two nieces Alexandra LeClaire-Mayne (Chris), and Julia LeClaire.

A service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home with visitation to follow.

Kathy will be remembered for her kindness, wisdom, quiet strength, and the genuine care she showed to everyone around her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she shaped, the friends she held close, and the family she loved so dearly.