Kristen S. Konate
Nov. 16, 1968 – June 10, 2021
KRISTEN SCHROEDER KONATÉ, 52, of Richmond, VA, passed away June 10, 2021, at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.
Kristen Konaté was born November 16, 1968, in Pennsylvania, to Kenneth and Eileen O’Donnell Schroeder.
Kristen Konaté has been a Career Artist for her entire life, studying at both Moore College of Fine Art, Philadelphia, PA, and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, where she received her degrees in the Fine Arts.
Kristen Konaté founded Concept Artism, an art therapy program for children on the Autistic Spectrum.
As an activist, she was instrumental in continuing the fight against racism and social inequalities.
Kristen Konaté is survived by her loving family; husband, Oumar Konaté; son, Souleymane H. Konaté; and daughter, Ireland R. Konaté; father and mother, Kenneth and Eileen Schroeder of Richmond, VA; sister, Erin Schroeder; niece, Gabriella; aunts, uncles, and cousins; and sisterly long time friend Jennifer Night Bird Miller.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Private burial arrangements are with Affinity Funeral Service. A celebration of life to be announced at a later date
I’ll never forget you, your personality, or your art. You made an impact in the artdoll community.
Kristen was one of a kind with an infectious enthusiasm for life, the arts and her family. Her paintings and creations are amazing. It is so sad that she has gone too soon. Our deepest condolences, Oumar, Souly and Ireland. There will always be a missing piece of your heart that Kristen took with her when she left you. Praying for you and your family.
My beautiful friend, Shaq…you are so sorely missed. Our lives will forever be missing the beautiful piece of you in our doll community. You inspired so many by your beautiful artwork.
I miss our chats and the laughs we had daily. A piece of my heart is gone and can never be replaced. You were a beautiful soul and I was so blessed to be one of your, “people”. I love you!! Love, your Lulu <3
My daughter is a beautiful person caring for all. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She will be missed for love of family and friends. “I WILL MISS YOU MY BEAUTY FOR NOW” till me meet again.
Ken my prayers and condolences goes out to you and your family if anything I can do to assist you at this time please do not hesitate to call just remember your daughter is in God’s hands right now????
Sad to see her taken way too soon from this earth. She was such a good soul. She and I worked together many years ago and she had the best sense of humor of anyone I think I’ve ever known. She kept us all laughing and sane! God bless her and family.
Kristen, I miss your matter of fact way of saying what you needed to say, and meaning it. This world has lost a very special person, who made this world a more beautiful place with her art and her humor and her honesty. Condolences to her husband Oumar, her children Souleymane and Ireland, and her parents, sister and niece and extended family and friends. I was and am proud to call her my friend, and will carry her lessons with me into the future.
Kristen had a way of making people who felt they were invisible believe that they mattered. She could sense the wounded and vulnerable and show up at just the right time. Her life here was way too short, but she lived it well and left her mark. My prayers and condolences to her family. Rest in peace dear Kristen.
Kristen was such a unique and beautiful soul! I have yet to meet someone like her, and I probably never will. She was one of my favorite aunts, so energetic and so creative, she inspired me to always be myself and continue being an artist. I love her with all my heart and will miss her dearly. But I am so grateful I got to know this beautiful light. She is in a better place without pain, that eases the pain of her loss a bit. Love you Kristen ❤️
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Kristen in person, we spoke many times (for many hours!) on the phone, as Kristen was a fierce and staunch advocate for her children and their education. I looked forward to and enjoyed our conversations immensely; they were always filled with much laughter! Kristen was extremely funny, outspoken, and unabashedly true to herself.
I regret I never got to meet this beautiful person with such a beautiful soul. My heart is heavy for Kristen’s husband and children, and for all who loved her. May God bless them all.
I met Kristen in 1994 working for Crestar Bank. We became tight friends for several years. I attended her outdoor wedding to Oumar at the Carilon; was around when Souleymane was born; went with her to her grandmother’s funeral in PA.
Life started to take us in different directions but we were still phone buddies when Ireland was born. Lost track of her and
have tried unsuccessfully to track her down since…thought she moved to PA.
She is a memorable soul indeed. I just discovered this obit tonight…2 years later. Odd that a year or so ago, I kept seeing someone’s who looked like her – hair color and style and build.
In a sense, she may have been letting me know and saying hello from the other side.
A unique person who leaves an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of having her in their lives.
I can still feel her presence. Hello Kristen.