Kathleen Smith

Obituary of Kathleen Smith

Kathleen Kohne Smith

Kathleen Smith, whose love and warmth touched everyone who knew her, left this world on March 7, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on October 5,1941, in Decatur, Indiana, Kathleen was the cherished daughter of the late Margaret Elizabeth Sheley and Gerald Joseph Kohne. She was preceded in death by David C. Smith, her husband of 61 years, who died on February 3, 2026. Also her siblings Dorothy Jean Kohne, Gerald Michael Kohne, Marjorie Ann DeRosa have passed.

Her legacy continues to shine brightly through her surviving family including her brother Anthony Edward Kohne, daughters Christine Kohne Papa, Jennifer Sheley Rosebeck and Paula Flaherty Theophilos, sons-in-law Anthony Papa, Greg Rosebeck and John (Yianni) Theophilos and her treasured grandchildren Grace Margaret Papa, Owen David Rosebeck, Reese Katherine Rosebeck, Lea Sheley Theophilos, and Anna Kali Theophilos. Kathleen's life was also filled with joy shared with nieces and nephews, Peg, Matt, Kathy, Julie, Nancy, Karen, Sara, Stephanie, Andy, Jackie and Scott.

A devoted wife, Kathleen married David C. Smith on June 27, 1964. Together they built a life filled with love and mutual respect centered around their family. Kathleen's beautiful smile and warm soul were a beacon of light to all who knew her. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel heard and valued, always taking a genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.

Kathleen's journey was marked by a deep commitment to education and a passion for sharing knowledge. She graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in English and a Master's degree in library media science from SCSU. Her career as a library media specialist at Gideon Wells Middle School in Glastonbury, Connecticut spanned two decades, during which she inspired countless young minds. Her dedication to her craft earned her the distinguished honor of Connecticut Teacher of the Year in 1989, a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and her profound impact on her students.

Kathleen's love for the water was only surpassed by her love for people. Her compassionate spirit extended beyond her family and friends as an active member of her parish, giving her time to distribute the Eucharist to those in rehab facilities and nursing homes. She enjoyed welcoming visitors and volunteering as a docent at the Florence Griswold Museum. In a program called Career Beginnings, she found great joy mentoring high school girls, helping them build confidence, prepare for college and achieve their dreams.

Kathleen, along with her husband, was a founding member of the Glastonbury's A Better Chance program, hosting Allen Wells, a high school student from Pittsburgh, to live with them as family, and is still family to this day.

A joint mass to honor Kathleen's remarkable life, with her husband David, will be held on March 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dunstan's, 1345 Manchester Rd, Glastonbury. Following the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, all who attend are warmly invited to join the family for a luncheon, a time to share stories, laughter and love in her memory. Visitation is Sunday March 22, 2026 from 1-3 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Kathleen's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com