Kathleen “Kath” Girdler Engler
Augusta, GA – Kathleen “Kath” Girdler Engler entered into rest on June 11 at home surrounded by close family. Kath’s was a passion-directed life—passion for her art, her family and friends and her devotion to fitness and fitness training. Widely known and loved for her incomparable spirit, kind nature and generosity of heart, Kath touched the lives of hundreds of people over the years in her role as artist, nurse, fitness trainer and volunteer.
A prolific and award-winning sculptor, her artworks are treasured additions to galleries, museums and private collections around the country. Many of her commissioned pieces are on display in public venues throughout the Augusta area.
Her boundless energy motivated her pursuit of exercise and enthusiasm as a teacher and personal trainer for more than 33 years. Not satisfied to teach classes at the Family Y two or three times a week. She additionally turned her attention to smaller groups of personal training clients whom she whipped into shape with her good natured but unerring encouragement, amazingly participating in every class along with her students most days.
The personification of a life lived well, she seamlessly integrated artistic talent with her fitness expertise to stage “Run With Art” camps for children several times a year. Combining physical activities and games with unique and creative art projects, she encouraged hundreds of Augusta area children to explore their creativity and discover the fun side of exercise.
As a former Registered Nurse, Kath had an inherent nurturing nature. Over the years she served on various boards and foundations, lending her unique perspective and knowledge of medicine and art to further the comfort and well-being of patients and their families. She volunteered regularly at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, making art with young cancer patients and lending support to their families. She often shared stories of these courageous young people, expressing her admiration of them and the fulfillment she received in these endeavors.
But at the center of her life was her family. Her world revolved around her beloved husband Chub, beloved son Eben, her family and treasured friends who Kath always described as ‘family’. They came first with her, above all else, and they are better people for that. The joy that Kath found in the simple pleasures of life was a special gift that anyone she came into contact with could see and share in.
Kath is preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorne Girdler. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Harold Engler and son, Eben Engler 2nd Lieutenant, USAF, step children Doug Engler, Gay White, Julie Miles, Lou Larkin, and Sam Engler; brother Kurt, sister Karen, brother-in-law- Michael; sister-in-law Sue; niece Sarah Jeffs and nephew-in-law Michael.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Children’s Hospital of Augusta, in Kath’s name.
Visitation will be on Thursday, 5 – 7 pm at the Thomas Poteet Funeral Home, Davis Road.
Kath’s service will be on Friday, June 13 at 11 am at the same venue.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com