Katherine Anne Couvillon

We are saddened to announce the passing of Katherine Couvillon. She peacefully left her earthly home on January 15, 2026 in the evening at age 46 after a long battle with cancer. She is the daughter of Marilyn and Ferd (deceased) Kirshberger, sister of Jimmy (Kacie) Kirshberger and Karen (Jon) Constant, and a proud “Aunty Kat” of 7. She is the wife of Kevin Couvillon with Luna (our fur baby), parents-in-law Ron and Joan Couvillon, brother-in-law Carey (Shelly) Couvillon, and sister-in-law Michelle (Trey) Parker.

Katherine came into this world near Torrance (CA) with an adventurous spirit. She found her kinsman in each character she met, whether in the books she read or the people she encountered in her journeys. This spirit drew people to her through high school to college, where she received a degree in English. Her life took her to New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and eventually to Charlottesville, Virginia where she worked for UVA Health as a Data Analyst, and where she met and married Kevin. Whether through Bible Studies, Book Clubs, sporting events, or just having coffee with a friend, she wanted to be among her friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Encountering Jesus at a young age, her light shined brightly as she embraced her love for all things beautiful, even in the midst of the darkness. This is true in the day to day, but especially for the marginalized in this country and the world. Although she would gladly support any cause with this mission, her heart was in Uganda. Her face would light up when she would hear anyone with an African accent, a conversation always arising about her love of the native missionaries who are serving or the children she supports. She and her husband even helped start a Ugandan born non-profit, Cruciform Life, to help the local community with unmet needs.

This light shined even in the midst of her battle with cancer. Initially diagnosed in 2011, and again in 2015 as stage IV, she was a beacon to those around her on how to find joy in the darkness. She reached thousands of people through her personal blog (katscloserwalk.blogspot.com), which has been running since the first diagnosis. She was also invited to dozens of speaking engagements where she would encourage others with her story. She shared an unfiltered picture of what it means to see Jesus in her sufferings and to give hope to those who were also in the battle. She truly loved, and was truly loved.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 pm, on February 7, 2026, at Trinity Presbyterian Church (3101 Fontaine Ave Extended, Charlottesville, VA 22903), with reception following. In lieu of flowers, please donate to some of the many causes that are dear to her heart:
- Cruciform Life International Ministries (please use Facebook page)
- Christian Aid Missions (christianaid.org)
- Advancing Native Missions (advancingnativemissions.com)
- Love Inc. (loveinccville.org)
- International Justice Mission (ijm.org)
- Or sponsor a child