Obituary: Kathleen A. J. Jones
Kathleen Anne Jordan Jones, 57, of Bigfork, died at her home the morning of Friday, Oct. 22, 2010.
Kathy lives on through her husband, Dennis O’Neil; son, Jordan O’Neil; daughter, Maura Elizabeth; parents, Robert D. and Donna (Cummins) Jordan of Wellfleet, Mass.; sister, Karen Kelly, husband Jim and niece Megan all of Stafford Springs, Conn.; aunt, Darlene, and uncle, Chot Smith, of Carnegie, Pa.; and uncle, Warren Cummins, of MacDonald, Pa.
Kathy was born Sept. 21, 1953, in Pittsfield, Mass. Kathy was a happy child growing up in Dalton, Mass. As a child, Kathy discovered art. Though she was talented in many art forms, it was her etchings and prints that she would go on to win many awards and commendations.
After receiving her associate degree at Berkshire Community College, she moved to Central Connecticut State University to finish her bachelor’s of arts degree in art education.
At age 25, Kathy moved to live with a friend in Somers. Her love for the beauty of Montana and Flathead Lake was immediate. At the “Lookout” she planted her knee-high, brown leather Frye high-heeled boots. Family and friends meant the world to Kathy. The children she worked with as a paraprofessional at Deer Park, Russell and Hedges were very dear to her heart. She loved to keep in touch with them as they grew.
Kathy continued to express herself creatively through the medium of folk art soft sculpture dolls, Santas and scarecrows, and originally designed ornaments. Those fortunate to have known Kathy will remember her beautiful smile, kind heart and, of course, her sense of humor. Kathy’s son Jordan would always say, “As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.”
A celebration of Kathy’s life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Mountain View Mennonite Church, 795 Mennonite Church Road in Kalispell. The memorial will be followed by a potluck lunch at the church.
To honor Kathy, guests are encouraged to wear an item of blue, the color of peace and Kathy’s favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, the Jones family suggests that donations be made in Kathy’s memory to the Flathead Food Bank, 1203 Highway 2 W. No. 2, Kalispell, MT 59901.