Kathleen Conway

Kathleen AvaAnne Sweeney Conway passed away at the age of 75 in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Saturday, June 1, 2024, with her husband of forty-one years by her side. Kathleen was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on May 20th, 1954, to Charles and Helen Sweeney. Her father proudly served in the United States Air Force, giving Kathleen the opportunity to live abroad with her father and beloved brother, Doug, whom she adored. She attended boarding school in New York, where she completed high school. She then went on to further her education at the University of Colorado - Boulder, where she received a bachelor's degree in education. While in college, she enjoyed white water rafting throughout New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. After earning her degree, she was a teacher for a brief period of time.

 In 1982, she married the love of her life, Kevin Conway. Kathleen was a force of nature, whose spirit could never be dampened. Together they had two daughters, Shannon, and Kimra. She taught each of them to read and carried that on with her grandchildren in later years. She would rather spend the day with the children at the zoo than cleaning the house. Her daughters attended Corpus Christi Catholic School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Kathleen quickly became aware there was not a lunch program at the school. Thus, prompting her, with no experience, to establish and operate the hot lunch program, ensuring that every child had two meals a day. Kathleen was active in her church and was consistently present at events, especially the church picnics and retreats in the mountains. She had a deep love of God and a strong devotion to Saint Joseph. (Her mother always told her to pray to him as no one else did, so he was not very busy). Kathleen never met a stranger; she loved life, people, cats, and nature. She was the driving force behind the establishment and operation of the Catholic Engaged Encounter in Colorado Springs, CO. Kathleen was passionate about helping couples prepare for marriage, and was active in marriage ministry at all the many parishes she attended. She was a regular volunteer at local soup kitchens, and often brought home those most in need. 

In 2000, she and her family relocated to Corinth, Texas, and she became a stay-at-home mother while prioritizing her health. Throughout the years, she battled an aggressive case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, along with various other health issues, resulting in her becoming fully wheelchair dependent in her later years. Despite all the challenges she endured, Kathleens life was filled with love, and her faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ never wavered. She remained in Colorado until 2016, when her and her husband Kevin relocated and retired to Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

Most of all, Kathleen was proud of being a wife, mother, and Grandmother. She was a beloved mother, GiGi, sister, and friend to many. She is survived by her husband, Kevin; children, Shannon (Chris) Fremgen of Denton, TX and Kimra (Ryan) Swain of Eaton, CO; Her loving and adoring grandchildren, Peyton, Logan, Brevan, and Shawn Fremgen of Denton, TX, Kati Conway-Swain, Brenson, and Hudson Swain of Eaton, CO; Brother, Douglas (Patti) Sweeney of Hot Springs, AR; Sister, Simone Orlando of Bocca Raton, FL; Sister-in-law, Sandy Taulborg; Sister-in-law, Kenwyn (Clide) Chambers; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Sweeney; Stepmother, Jennee Sweeney; Father-in-law, Philip Conway; Mother-in-law, Grace Conway; Sister-in-law, Gwen Conway; brother-in-law, Earl Taulborg; Nephew, Kevin Sweeney. 

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by a public celebration of life at Smith Family Funeral Home: 2205 Airport Road Hot Springs, AR on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM. 

Kathleen would prefer everyone to celebrate her life, not mourn her death! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arthritis Foundation or Smile Train.