Kathleen Sweeney Hayden, 82, was called from this life on January 15, 2026, in Boise, Idaho, fortified by her faith in Jesus Christ and the hope of the Resurrection. Entrusted to the mercy of God, she now rests in the peace of Christ and the communion of the saints.

Born on August 12, 1942, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kathleen was a faithful daughter of the Catholic Church throughout her life. She graduated from Idaho Falls High School and later earned her degree in Elementary Education from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. Teaching was both her profession and her ministry.

She served for many years at Saint Edward’s Catholic School in Twin Falls, Idaho. She later taught at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, guiding her students with wisdom, discipline, and genuine Christian love. Her dedication to education and service carried her abroad to Aktau, Kazakhstan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where she continued her work with courage, compassion, and a servant’s heart.

Kathleen lived her Catholic faith daily, participating actively in parish life and charitable works. She cherished the opportunity to meet Pope John Paul II, an encounter that remained one of the great blessings of her life and a memory she shared with radiant joy. She also served as Chairperson of the March of Dimes and supported numerous community efforts, quietly practicing the works of mercy.

Kathleen’s deep Marian devotion led her on numerous pilgrimages to many of the Church’s most sacred places, often accompanied by her dear traveling companions. She visited the great Marian shrines of Lourdes, France, where she spent a summer working in service to pilgrims; Fátima, Portugal; Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico; Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and, of course, Knock, Ireland. Her journeys of faith also took her to Rome and Vatican City, the heart of the Catholic Church, as well as to the Holy Land, where she walked in the footsteps of Our Lord in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem.

She sought out the witness of the saints whose lives had strengthened her own faith, praying at the shrine of Saint Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; honoring Saint Francis and Saint Clare in Assisi, Italy; and visiting Lisieux, France, home of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. These pilgrimages were not merely travels but acts of devotion that deepened her love for Christ and His Blessed Mother.

As a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, Kathleen embodied steadfast devotion and sacrificial love. She was a constant presence in the lives of her family and friends, offering guidance, encouragement, and countless prayers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Terri Purtill, her sister Patricia Felt, her brother Dave Sweeney, her grandson Kyle Ellsworth, and Nova Hayden great-grandchild . We commend them to the loving mercy of God and pray for their eternal rest.

Kathleen is survived by her sister, Maureen Syring, and husband Bob; her sons, Terry Ellsworth and wife Mary; John Hayden and wife Penny; and her son-in-law, John Purtill. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Kelsie Hutchinson and husband Jerome; Alex Hayden and wife Sara; Rebecca Cook and husband Jay; Austin Ellsworth; Christopher Hayden and wife Daphne; Makenzie Ellsworth; Katie Layton and husband Brian; Caleb Ellsworth; Mary Hayden; and Jace Ellsworth; along with thirteen cherished great-grandchildren, all of her nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and dear friends.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A rosary will be held at 10:30 am, with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 2612 W. State Street Boise, Idaho. Condolences can be left for the family at www.bowmanfuneral.com