Renee Upp-Kajdasz

Renée Upp-Kajdasz, 48, of North Charleston, died at home Monday after her struggle with breast cancer. She was born to Jerry and Marcie M Upp, July 10th 1964, in Livonia, Michigan. Renée grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and graduated from Putnam City North High School in 1983. Renée excelled in school. She continued her education and received a BA in 1987 and& Masters in Social Work from University of Oklahoma in 1990. Renée married Stan Kajdasz in August 1996, and they have lived together and raised their family in North Charleston, Carolina. Renée was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Upp. She is survived by her husband, Stan Kajdasz and children, Rhiannon Renee and Matthew Righton, as well as her mother, Marcie Upp of Oklahoma City, brother Dan of Oklahoma City, brother Raymond of Norman, Oklahoma, several nieces and nephews, and best friends Lisa Boor of Wichita, Kansas and Pam Ingram of Charleston, SC. Renée’s enthusiasm for her work as a pediatric social worker (initially at Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, then at the Children’s Hospital with the Medical University of South Carolina) was only surpassed by her profound love for her family. She delighted in any activities that encouraged time with her family. Renée is well known for her determination, and boundless ability to connect and council others. Whether it was family, coworkers, neighbors or strangers in a check-out line, she could listen and provide meaningful insight. Renée was a kind soul who will be missed tremendously. Renée found great comfort in her faith and was an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church. During her courageous battle with cancer, she drew immense inspiration and strength from a community of supporters that included new & old friends, co-workers, neighbors and family. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made out to Bethany United Methodist Church for donations toward college tuition for her children (118 W 3rd Street, Summerville, SC 29483, earmarked for Kajdasz family college fund). A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, June 7, 2013 from 10:00 until 11:00 with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 118 West 3rd Street, Summerville.

Renee Upp-Kajdasz

July 10, 1964 - June 3, 2013