Swyers, Kathleen Marie (nee Canning)
Kathleen Swyers passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, to William and Nancy Canning. Kathleen grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri, attended Ursuline Academy High School, graduated from Indiana University, and finished her education with a Master’s Degree in counseling from UMSL. For over 20 years, she was a dedicated employee of the St. Louis Community College at the Forest Park and Meramec campuses as a Professor in Counseling.
Kathleen is survived by her mother, Nancy Creel (Robert Chartier), loving husband Stephen Swyers, sons Sean Swyers and Zachary Swyers (Clair), sisters Maureen Fulton (Robert) and Carolyn Dixon (David), nephew Alexander Dixon and niece Christina Dixon; loving wife, mother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend.
Kathleen was an avid reader and belonged to several book clubs. She loved to travel and experience different cultures. She also frequently visited the Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Always ready to lend an ear, Kathleen will be remembered for her empathy, generosity, caring nature, and thoughtful advice. Most of all, she was a passionate champion for social justice. Kathleen dedicated her life to helping others; the positive impact she had on family, students and friends is immeasurable.
The family will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Stray Rescue of St. Louis (www.strayrescue.org/donate) would be appreciated.
I’m in shock. So sorry for your loss. Kathleen has been such a good friend to me. Always there when you need a friendly ear. We were art fair buddies. We were in book club together for many, many years. I will miss her so much. Love and prayers to all the family.
Thank you, Kathleen, for your calm, reassuring, loving presence in the lives of your students, colleagues, and friends. You always listened as if what I had to say was the most important thing in your life at that moment. I love you and will miss you.
My heart just sank totally in grief. I have known Kathleen for 30 years working in Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation. We shared so many lunches, meetings at work, and get togethers after work. Gary, my husband, and I enjoyed many Webster Groves art fairs with Kathleen, and she was always welcome at our house with her two sons. She was the one who encouraged me to join the book club and other social activities. I will miss her so much.
Kathleen crossed our lives several times. She was a great babysitter for Eric and Sarah. They always looked forward to her when she was going to spend time with them. Her friendship with Jan Eudelay brought her back to us when she attended ‘Think Spring” fundraisers with Jan. She had a kind face and a softness about her. She made the world better.
Molly Vehige (512 Forest Green).
As a fellow employee at STLCC, for many years Kathleen occupied the office next to mine in the Forest Park Counseling Department. She was a talented, respected and beloved counselor. And I admired her journey through the ranks to full-time faculty.
A family-centered person, she spoke often of her beloved husband and sons. I cannot imagine the depth of their loss and grief. I wish them solace and the loving arms of family and friends to help them survive this loss. She will be missed.
As a new employee at STLCC, Kathleen immediately made me feel welcome. She would stop by the Access Office to check-in and could always be seen walking around campus. She knew everyone’s name and was always willing to lend an ear. I will miss her smile and the effortless way she brightened up our office. Sending love to her family.
I will miss her so much! She has inspired me and changed my life. She was there for me when I felt alone. I will always remember her kindness and good advice. All my love and prayers to the family.
Her infectious laughter and smile will always remain in our hearts
I was so shocked and so sad to hear the news. I worked at Meramec for three years in the library and I remember how happy she was for me when I got a promotion last July to go to Forest Park Library. Prayers for her family, colleagues, friends, and the students she helped through the years. She will be greatly missed.
As Chancellor of STLCC, both I and the entire College are greatly saddened by this loss. Kathleen was a tremendous advocate for our students and employees, and we will miss her going forward. We are thankful, however, for the years we knew her, and the blessings she brought to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family as we collectively go through the grievance process.
I’ll miss Kathleen and her smiling face. She was a frequent visitor to our office. She loved to walk the track here at the college and always had time to stop and listen. This was one of her greatest gifts. My heart goes out to her family and friends. She’ll be missed by many.
I was sorry to hear of Kathleen’s passing. She was a dear friend and a supporter of the office I work in at STLCC. She nominated me on two occasions for the Outstanding Professional Staff Award at the college. I will miss her smile, words of encouragement and quiet boldness. May your memories of love fill your thoughts each day.
Kathleen was the first person to befriend me at St. Louis Community College. And I bet I’m not the only person who can say that. She was a friend to everyone on campus. She cared and listened and smiled and laughed with me on many occasions. I will miss her presence so much. She touched so, so many lives—she’ll leave a positive impression on us all.
I’m really going to miss my lunch buddy! We had the best conversations. She was so sweet to me when my mom, who also loved Kathleen, passed away. My deepest, most heart-felt condolences from my family and me to the entire family.
Kathleen was a kind soul. And she will be greatly missed. I am glad I had the opportunity to know her.
I am so sorry that we’ve lost such an inspirational, kind, and student-centered co-worker and friend. Kathleen had the best advice and was always willing to help the nursing students and faculty. She will be greatly missed, prayers for the entire family.
I’m devastated. My heartfelt condolences to Kathleen’s family, friends, colleagues, students, and to all who will feel her loss.
Kathleen, thank you for always being a warm, friendly face on campus. Thank you for advising and supporting me and my students. Thank you for all the quick conversations and hugs in passing. I’ll miss you!
I knew Kathleen when we both worked at Meramec. What a delightful person. The minute she walked into a room, she would have you smiling or laughing. A kind and caring person, she will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
I knew Kathleen since I was a student when I first attended STLCC-FP, and then as a colleague at the Forest Park Campus, where we both served in the Counseling Department. This is a tremendous loss not only for her family, but also for our college community! She will be remembered for her contribution to the college and her dedication to improving the quality of lives of the students she served, and of course for her distinct laughter. She will be greatly missed by all of us who had the opportunity to work with her and get to know her not only as a professional, but as an individual as well! I would run into Kathleen at the Botanical Gardens often because we both seem to think, that’s one of the best places to visit during different times of the year! My most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues
May she rest easy and may her legacy carry-on!!!
My heart hurts…you were such a positive, gentle force. So caring and so admired by many. I am so grateful our paths crossed at STLCC Forest Park. My deepest condolences for your family and friends. We will forever miss you Kathleen
I will miss you, my dear friend, Kathleen. Thank you for all that you have done for me and for the time we shared. I will miss your joyful spirit and your huge heart and your passion for what is right and good.
Thank you for keeping an eye on me after my son died and checking in with me every day at work to make sure I was okay.
I will miss you. I’ll remember you forever. And I’ll always feel grateful that we are friends.
My condolences to Kathleen’s husband and sons who she loved so much. My prayers are with and for all of you
Two Sundays ago, Kathleen spent the evening at my home where our book club was gathered to read poetry. During the evening, Kathleen spoke passionately about her students and shared a story about her Mindful Mondays practice. She read poems by Lucille Clifton and Danna Faulds. The last line of the Faulds’ poem will forever remind me of Kathleen, “Love, not judgment, sows the seeds of tranquility and change.” My heartfelt sympathy goes to all who knew and loved her.
Kathleen was a very welcoming face when I first moved to the Forest Park campus of St. Louis Community College as a dean. She provided encouragement as I began my new role and helped me to learn about the campus. Her caring personality went beyond me and to others she worked with and to our students. Her smile and her deep care for others will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Kathleen’s passing. She came to my classes each semester to talk about Stlcc’s mental health services. Students loved her warmth and patience. She was just a delightful person. I’m so sorry for your profound loss.
I was shocked and saddened by this news. Kathleen was a calm and reassuring presence at our institution. Her caring and compassion were unmatched. She was warm and welcoming, and always had an open door for our students and ourselves. I hope her memory will be a blessing to all of those who knew her, but especially to her family, friends and loved ones. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and hope that you find comfort as you grieve this irrevocable loss.
My heartfelt sympathy to her sons and husband and family, As I read the posts it shows how wonderful Kathleen was to everyone. I had the pleasure of knowing Kathleen through work at the Forest Park as well as Meramec campus. She was such a fierce advocate for students, and staff, just a wonderful, amazing person, who will forever be in our hearts!
The last time I spoke to Kathleen was on Wednesday, April 12th while she was attending Dr. Dirk Voss’s lecture on Sabbaticals abroad. She was one of the kindest colleagues I’ve known at STLCC. She always went the extra mile and had a very cheerful and upbeat spirit. I am devasted and cannot believe she is no longer with us. My heartfelt condolences to Kathleen’s family and friends.
I worked with Kathleen at STLCC-FP. She was an excellent therapist and educator. She genuinely cared for the students and poured her whole self into her job. Kathleen was also very supportive as a colleague, which I remain grateful for. She had a great sense of humor! A wonderful, caring person that will be very missed by all who knew her as well as the STLCC community. Sending love and healing to the family and all who loved her.
I loved serving with Kathleen on any committee on which we served together. She was a always thoughtful and made substantive contributions that made all discussions better. A lovely Spirit that I brought into my classroom to talk about the importance of mental health and mental health maintenance, and how easy it was to access at Meramec. Her memory is already a blessing, and may her soul rest well.
To Kathleen’s family and friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I worked with Kathleen for over twenty years, and I counted her among my dearest colleagues. She was a friend on campus, and she came through every time for our students. A year ago stands out when I brought a student in crisis to Kathleen’s office, specifically. The three of us sat for over an hour until it was time for me to gently release the student into Kathleen’s continued care. Kathleen compassionately guided us through the crisis and very likely saved that young student’s life, in my estimation. This is but one student of literally thousands that Kathleen helped, not to mention the many faculty and staff needs she casually met or more formally, as well. While I had deeply admired and respected Kathleen as a professional the two decades prior, my amazement grew beyond measure at her positive impact after I witnessed her work so ably with my student. I will miss my sweet friend’s smile and laugh. Simply put, I will miss Kathleen. May we forever remember the bright light in our world that was Kathleen Swyers. My deepest condolences.
My deepest sympathies to Kathleen’s family and friends on the loss of an incredible woman. I worked with her on the Meramec campus and she was such a strong advocate for students. We often talked about the Smart Start course and how to make it more meaningful for students. She truly cared about them! I also considered her a friend, always willing to listen and ask questions about my life. Her smile and sense of humor were contagious – she was always a bright spot in my day. I hope she is at peace now and that her family finds comfort in hearing about the impact she had on others’ lives.
We all have lost a wonderful human being. Kathleen had just attended my presentation on my sabbatical years abroad. She was always so supportive of me and my students. She was so interested in travel abroad, new cultural experiences, and in people. We miss her so much.
When I read the email pertaining to Kathleen’s untimely passing, all I could do was go back to the emails I saved of me and her conversations. To not recognize her in my educational and personal life would not be right when she did nothing but offer me praise and motivation to keep pushing through my hard times. My heart sank just to think that she was really gone. She was more than just a co-worker, she was my counselor and a beloved friend. I will always keep our memories close to my heart. I offer nothing but the utmost condolences to her family and close friends. She is the epitome of love and she will be missed. She is missed.
I just can’t believe that Kathleen will not still come and light up the room with her caring warmth! I have worked with her and she helped several of my students to get through tough times. I wish she were here to help me through the process of grieving her loss. I know Kathleen would know how to help us through it.
What a tremendous loss. Kathleen was a beacon of light on the STLCC Meramec campus that led us all in the direction of kindness, compassion, advocacy, happiness, and so much more. I hope that we can hold her light in our hearts and shine it in her honor. I will most certainly miss the chats, smiles, and hugs I received from her during our two decades of working together.
To Kathleen’s family, please know you all will be in my prayers for peace. Thank you for sharing Kathleen with the world.
My deepest sympathy to Kathleen’s family. I worked with her at Forest Park and knew her when she was at VR. She was truly a shining light. She exuded warmth and kindness to all. I am so saddened by her passing. I just saw her at gathering a few weeks ago and spent time getting caught up. I will always remember her. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, friends and students.
Thank you so much for being my Counselor! You were so kind and supportive when I was telling you about my personal problems and I’m extremely grateful that you listened to me and never judged me once! Thank you for being a part of my life and you will be missed forever!
I sometimes would walk in or leave at the same time as Kathleen. She was such a kind and caring person who I enjoyed talking/laughing with. Her smile was contagious. It was very obvious she deeply cared about her students. Such a tremendous loss for STLCC. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. She will be missed.
I am deeply sadden and express my sincere condolences to Kathleen’s family, friends, and colleagues. We worked together at Forest Park. One of my fondest memories of Kathleen is the weeks and days leading up to her big trip to Roland Garros in Paris, France. We talked tennis everyday. I still can hear her “roarious” laughter and see her smile of pure joy and excitement. Believing for peace and comfort in the months ahead.
In reading all of the beautiful words from others, my heart breaks even further for such a devastating loss. The shock of her passing has not yet subsided. There is very little to be said that hasn’t already been expressed by others. Kathleen was a beautiful soul, a fierce advocate, and the kindest of friends. Like others experienced, Kathleen was one of the first to welcome me with open arms to STLCC and I will forever appreciate her kindness. Her smile and laugh will be sorely missed by all that had the honor of knowing her. My deepest and sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
I miss her ! She helped to get through a complicated life. She was there for me whenever I need. I will always remember her kindness and good advice.
I wont forget her always happy face.
All my love and prayers to the family.
As a friend of Zack’s, I got to meet Kathleen at Zack and Clair’s wedding in California. Zack always spoke about her with such reverence and I feel as if I got to know her a bit through his sweet and funny anecdotes. She was incredibly warm and welcoming and it was obvious that she was a very proud mom. While I only met her once, it was all I needed to know how deeply loved she was and how deeply she loved others. I’m sending all the comfort I possibly can.
Kathleens’s kindness was overflowing. She made such an impact on me during my first years at STLCC. I will miss her warmth. She was truly a bright light for so many.
Please know that all of your kind words are very comforting to me. I am Kathleen’s friend and sister (in-law). I have many wonderful memories, especially raising our sons together, family vacations, holidays, Chicago Girl’s Trip and day trips to the Botanical Gardens and Art Museum. She teased me for being such a picky eater when she loved Thai and Indian food while I wanted burgers and pizzas. We had a hard time agreeing on somewhere to eat.
Like the rest of you, she was always checking in on me when I needed her, especially when I lost my parents. She knew the right thing to say to make me feel better.
Kathleen and I recently went to a Guns N Hoses “Hoedown” Fundraiser. We had a great time line dancing! She told me about her recent book club meeting where you read the poems and how much she enjoyed it. She also cared about her coworkers and students more than you’ll ever know. By reading these condolences, I can tell why. You are caring, loving people just like her.
As Margaret said above, I need her now, to help me through this grieving process. I’m sure she knows that my sister and brothers and the rest of our family will look after Steve and the boys, as she would do for us. I wish I could do more.
We were so sorry to hear of Kathleen’s unexpected passing. We talked to her frequently when she was dog walking in Harvest Wind. Please accept our sympathy in the loss of your wife.
Kathleen didn’t shy from the uncomfortable conversations. She pressed me to think deeper and wider, her energy filling our discussions dotted with vocabulary like “ubiquitous” and “delish.” She was continuously striving to better herself; a strong woman helping others be strong too. I will miss her generous and hearty laugh. My heart aches and I grieve for her three men whom she loved so.
Kathleen was warm and friendly. Living just down the street, we often would run into each other walking our dogs. We would stop and catch up on family news, flowers, dog stories etc..
I was heart broken to hear of her death. May you fly with the angels..prayers for her family and friends.
I will miss her sweet, always smiling face around campus. She was one of the sweetest people at STLCC. Rest in Peace!
Kathleen was a light to all who met her: I’ll never forget the thoughtfulness and care she showed me throughout my time at StLCC. Whenever and wherever I encountered her, she never failed to cast a more positive light on my day.
Kathleen was the counselor that I instantly connected with when I started working in the Counseling Department at Forest Park. I could always go to her with any issue; she was always understanding, encouraging, patient and a very good listener. It was definitely a joy to be around her. I was so sadden and shocked to hear of her death. My sympathy goes out to her husband and her children. You will truly be missed Kathleen!!!!!
Sending my Thoughts and prayers to Steve, your sons and extended family. Reading the condolence messages from Kathleen’s colleagues and friends is a testament to what a wonderful person she was. May beautiful memories bring comfort to you during this very difficult time.
I am one of Kathleen’s brothers in law. Like my sister Sally I am in awe of all wonderful things that have been written by her friends and colleagues. It’s so nice to know she was so highly thought of by you guys, as she was by us, her family. Kathleen was so great at showing true concern for others. She always asked about my son and his health issues and I greatly appreciated it. In my family I am known for my love of movies. I recently decided to make a list of my 100 favorite films. To my surprise,Kathleen decided to make her own list of her 100 favorite movies. I have the list and will cherish it and I told her I would watch the films on her list that I hadn’t seen yet and I promise to do so. Knowing her, I’m sure she did her list partly because she wanted to make me feel good by participating in a project she knew I enjoyed. Kathleen and I texted each other at holidays year round, the last being Saint Patrick’s Day and Easter. She will be sorely missed, but will live on with my dear brother Steve and my wonderful nephews Sean and Zach.
First of all, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Kathleen’s entire family. Please know that I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Next, I want to say how grateful I am that I was blessed to have known and worked with Kathleen at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. From our very first meeting, I knew that she was an individual who cared very deeply about others, which included not only her colleagues, but, even more importantly, the students!! She always had such a cheerful demeanor, and I am especially appreciative that we were able to work together in service to the College and the campus as two of the three interim faculty involved with the Center for Teaching and Learning. In addition, Kathleen was always an advocate for all people, and she was most notably supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
My life has definitely been enriched by knowing Kathleen. I have no doubt that her legacy will endure for many years to come, because she impacted the lives of so many individuals with her loving and caring spirit. May she rest in peace.
I remember my first time meeting Kathleen as my mentor, her smiles and huge loving personality were so warmth and comforting. She showed beauty of life. Many wonderful memories such as walking in the botanical garden, chatting in her office, and seeing autumn trees changing colours. My heart sinks and grieve knowing that this kind soul rests in peace. Sending my condolences and prayers to Kathleen’s family and friends. You will be always in our heart.
Kathleen and I were colleagues together at STLCC for 8 1/2 years. A friendship developed between us despite the difference in our age and background. We spent a lot of our time discussing our families – I think she was interested in learning about raising girls (I have two daughters) and I was equally fascinated by her stories of her sons. I always admired how active she was; every Monday morning I would listen to her recount her weekend – going to a local play, seeing some comedian, attending a concert, and so on. We kept in touch after I left the college via phone calls and texts, including our annual “Happy Festivus” holiday wishes. She was a dear friend, and will be deeply missed.
I never met Steve, Zach, or Sean but she talked about the three of you all the time and my heart breaks for all of you and the rest of your family. My prayers are with all of you.
Although I have not seen Kathleen for quite some time her smile and sense of humor, that she always imparted with a twinkle in her eyes, are so fresh in my memory. She was someone I looked forward to seeing around campus and it was so clear that students were her top priority. . My deepest sympathies to her family.
I am struggling to put into words how much I loved, admired and respected my fabulous, intelligent, adventurous and incredibly caring friend, Kathleen. Kathleen and I started out as coworkers 30 years ago and grew to be lifelong friends. I have so many wonderful memories of Kathleen.
Kathleen was a light in this world and a gift to everyone who knew her.
Stephen, Zach and Sean she loved you all endlessly and was so proud of you all. Please know I will miss her every day and am sending you love and strength.
Kathleen you helped so many people and I don’t think you knew how important you really were to them. After reading all the above messages my heart breaks for you and it is obvious you gave all your energy to helping everyone else. Sending love and prayers to Steve and the boys and the rest of the family. I know you are now at peace
I met Kathleen about 8 months ago. She helped me so much with opening up and figuring out how to push myself harder, to not be afraid to ask for help. I was so upset when I found out I had to get a new therapist because I loved her so much. I just found out today and I’m heartbroken and distraught. I was hoping to be able to call her and talk to her about my issues. I don’t know what to do or how to feel now.
It’s taken me all these weeks to try and accept that she is really gone. Being together with my colleagues yesterday moved me forward in that process. I’m so sorry for all of us. I thank her for all she did for me personally and for our students and institutions and community. My deepest sympathies to her family.
My deepest sympathy to Kathleens sons and husband. I was sad to hear of Kathleen sudden passing. Kathleen was a truly a champion for Stlcc students! Kathleen was kind and generous to so many ! I will remember her smile and laughter the most! Rest well my friend! You blessed and touched so many by being you!