Carolyn A. "Lynn" Kleppner

Carolyn A. “Lynn” Kleppner, age 77, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 25, 1947, in Pittston, Pennsylvania, Lynn was the eldest of six children to the late John J. and Doris (Clifford) Smiles. She spent her formative years in Twinbrook, Maryland, where she attended Richard Montgomery High School and later Montgomery College.

On December 27, 1987, Lynn married the love of her life, Bob Kleppner. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, adventure, and the joys of raising a blended family of teenage children. From spontaneous 2 a.m. breakfasts at Shoney’s to attending their children’s ball games and school events, Lynn and Bob embraced every moment together. Their legacy continued in the joy they found with their grandchildren, returning from trips to the park or McDonald’s with faces smeared in ketchup and clothes covered in dirt. Their deep bond brought boundless joy until Bob’s sudden passing in August 2000, a loss Lynn carried with grace and strength.

Lynn dedicated over 25 years to her career as a dental assistant, but it was her role as a Special Education Instructional Assistant (with FCPS) at The Rock Creek School that truly captured her heart. The love she had for her students, whom she affectionately called her “babies,” was boundless. Prom and graduation were her favorite events of the year, celebrations that reflected the accomplishments of those she adored. Her passion for making a difference extended to her volunteer work with I Believe in Me, Inc., where she helped pack and distribute food and supplies to those in need. Lynn formed lasting friendships through her volunteer work and cherished each one deeply.

Above all, Lynn’s greatest joy was being “Bubba” to her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy—clever, adventurous, and always able to make her laugh. She delighted in their technological skills and loved every belly laugh they shared. The many memories of Bubba are held deeply in our hearts, and her texts, always perfectly punctuated, are already missed.

Lynn found peace and happiness at the beach, where she spent countless summers with family and her beloved friends, the Ya-Ya’s. Whether indulging in soft-serve ice cream, strolling in flip-flops, or savoring crabs, the beach was her sanctuary. 

Sundays were for football, family dinners, and cherished time spent with those she loved. Lynn’s family was her world—she embodied love, strength, and an unyielding spirit that will forever be remembered. Her tenacity, warmth, and caring nature left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.

Lynn is survived by her children: Rick Tubbs (Aileen), Nicole Robertson (Jim), Bob Kleppner (Cheryl), and Brian Kleppner (Holly). She was the proud Bubba of Taylor, Whitney, Kelsey (Robertson), Cole, and Cal (Kleppner), and is also survived by her siblings: Nancy Moore (Rich), Jackie Carter, Bill Smiles, Bob Smiles, Andrea Walker (James), and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Lynn’s wishes, no formal service will be held. For those who wish to honor her memory, donations may be made to The Angel Fund, an organization supporting children with special needs, many of whom Lynn personally knew. Contributions will go toward projects that enhance the lives of these children, a cause close to her heart. Donations can be made at www.theangelfund.net or sent to The Angel Fund, P.O. Box 171, Point of Rocks, MD 21777.