Kathleen Ann Swider, of Colchester, passed away on December 22, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Bernice Brown and wife of James Swider of Colchester.

Kathleen was born in Norwich, CT on January 16, 1950. She attended Norwich Free Academy, before earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern CT State University in Elementary education. She taught in the Norwich school system for 30 years in grades 4 and 5. She began teaching at Elizabeth Street and finished at Uncas Elementary school before retiring in 2002, which was the same year her husband retired from Cohanze School in Waterford, CT.

Kathy enjoyed walking several miles every day on roads near her house. She sold vegetables at Swiders Farm in Colchester. Kathy and Jimmy also liked to travel to historical locations in the United States. Kathy and Jimmy were married in 1973.

He survives her, along with her sister, Elizabeth Gernhard; nephew, Andrew Gernhard; niece, Lisa Oliver; and their families and other cousins. She was predeceased by a favorite aunt, Celeste Busch. A special thanks to her care giver, Lesley Perez, who cared for her for over a year.

Calling hours will be held at the Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home in Colchester on December 29th from 4 to 6 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on December 30th at 10 AM directly at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Colchester.

Events
Visitation

Monday, December 29, 2025
4:00PM - 6:00PM
Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home, Inc.
167 Old Hartford Rd.
Colchester, CT 06415
Email: auroramccarthy@hotmail.com
Phone: (860) 537-9611

Funeral Liturgy
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
10:00AM
St. Andrew Catholic Church
128 Norwich Ave
Colchester, CT 06415

Final Resting Place

New St. Andrew Cemetery
Gillettes Lane
Colchester, CT 06415