Kathleen A. Anderson

Kathleen A. Anderson

August 30, 1954- December 5, 2024

Kathleen (Kathie) A. Anderson, 70, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023,with her children by her side. She was born August 30, 1954, as the second oldest of seven children. They grew up in the Dundee neighborhood and graduated from Cathedral High School. Kathie attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, and later a Master’s degree, in Early Childhood Education. It was there, in her first year of classes, that she met her future husband, Rick Anderson. They were married in 1977, and went on to have two children, Gregory and Sarah.

Kathie became a kindergarten teacher and taught for many years at Swanson Elementary School. With a passion for education, and a gift for making every child feel special, she was known for her positivity, kindness, and belief in the potential of every student. She cherished the lifelong friendships that she made with many of her Swanson colleagues.

Kathie’s heart was deeply rooted in family. When reflecting on her childhood, she spoke often of helping her mother with her younger siblings,and helping her father at his gas station. As an adult, she visited her mother, who lived with Alzheimer’s, as often as she could, demonstrating the deep love, compassion and commitment that defined who she was.

She was a constant presence in her children’s lives; attending every soccer game, basketball game, cross country meet, and band performance, always cheering them on with her joyful spirit. She could often be heard saying “Make it a good day,” as they left home each morning. She prioritized integrity, hard work and determination as important values to live by, and was proud of who her children had grown up to be.

Both Kathie and Rick were public school teachers. In the summers off, they could often be found at the family cabin on the lake or taking their kids on camping road trips. For many years, she, with her fellow teacher friends, and occasionally Rick, had the opportunity to travel the world (over 12 countries) as teacher leaders for a student ambassador program. Kathie spoke so fondly of those trips; the adventures were clearly highlights of her life, and the many souvenirs displayed in her living room kept those memories alive.

Disabled from a stroke at 51, and widowed at 58, Kathie faced life’s challenges with courage, resilience and faith. Despite the struggles, she continued to find happiness, particularly in her role as Grandma. She found immeasurable joy in her role as grandmother to her five grandchildren; whether reading them books, playing board games together, or watching them at a park or game, Kathie’s presence was a source of warmth and laughter. Her joyful laugh, her love for life, and her ability to find happiness despite struggles will be forever remembered by those who knew her.

Kathie was preceded in death by her husband, Rick; and her parents; Thomas and Laurine Houlton. She is survived by her children; Greg and Sarah (Adam); grandchildren: Preston, Averi, Maddox, Declan and Kira; brothers, Mike (Diane), Tim (Sue), Richard (Amy), Larry (Loretta), Ken; sister, Colleen; and seven nieces and nephews.

VIGIL SERVICE: Monday, December 9, 2024, at 6:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with VISITATION from 4:00-6:00pm.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at10:00AM, Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86th St., Omaha.

INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery

Memorials will be directed by the family.

To view live broadcasts of the services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.