Kathleen Ann Nixon

Kathleen Ann Nixon, 74, of Chesterton, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Kathy was born on November 29, 1950, to Elsie and Walter Baran in Chicago, Illinois. She resided and raised her family in Chesterton, Indiana before she and her husband, Jim, retired in Greenwood, Indiana in 2023. Jim and Kathy would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 1, 2025.

Kathy is survived by her husband, James Nixon; children, Cynthia Nixon, Matthew (Tricia) Hogan, James (Terri) Nixon, and Kelly Hogan; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Hannon, Christina Duer, Abraham (Katelyn) Hogan, Ellie Anton, Olivia Hogan, Anna Anton, Sam Hogan and Benjamin Hogan; one great-grandson, Bram Hogan; sister, Marilyn (Warren) Marwedel; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Arlene Leal.

Kathy was successful in many careers. She was a well-loved waitress, "Blizzard Queen" at the local Dairy Queen for years, and earned top awards as a PartyLite consultant.

Kathy's grandchildren affectionately called her "Mamaw," and this is their loving tribute to her:

As her grandchildren, we find it impossible to put into words how special our Mamaw was and how great of an impact she had on all of our lives. Mamaw gave us everything she never had, which made us who we are today. Mamaw had a sign in her home that read, "I can at Mamaws," which is a small window into the feeling she created in her home. From playing buttons (or any other game), climbing the tree in the backyard, doing endless amounts of crafts, playing Rock Band, eating junk food, or just being in Mamaw's presence, we knew we were safe and felt wholey loved. From the smallest mundane to the deepest hard things, Mamaw was a safe place for all of us. We all felt we could come to Mamaw with anything and everything, and were met with love, support, and no judgement. The reach of her impact went farther than us grandchildren, as she was anyone's "Mamaw" who needed it. Whether you needed a listening ear, guidance, a good meal or treat, or a place to stay, Mamaw's door was always open. This, of course, includes stray animals as well. Mamaw was always thinking of others, especially us grandkids. A small example of this is her personal Christmas wish list. She asked to receive gifts such as a Wii, Rock Band, iPod Touch, ping pong table, air hockey table, etc. To her, the gift was not the physical items themselves but rather watching her grandchildren enjoy these things together. Again, words cannot encapsulate how special of a Mamaw she was. Although Mamaw is no longer physically with us, her legacy will continue to go on due to the countless number of people she touched, impacted, and changed.

Kathy's final resting place will be in Chesterton, Indiana following a private service. Swartz Family Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South Morton Street, Franklin, IN 46131 has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Online condolences can be left for the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.