Kathleen Ann Cara

Kathleen (Kathy) Ann Cara, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, born on August 22, 1955, in Oak Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, at her mother's home in Lafayette, Indiana. She lived a life marked by selfless dedication to her family, friends and career.

Kathy earned her Bachelor's degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University. She started her career by trailblazing a path as one of the first female salespersons in the steel industry. Kathy furthered her academic journey with a Master's degree from Phoenix University. With a strong foundation in her field, she carved out a successful career as a product manager in the technology industry.

Kathy was innately talented at everything she touched. She was an excellent cook and baker and talented stained glass maker. She also enjoyed sewing, making pottery, gardening, and grocery shopping. She was a generous, thoughtful, and enthusiastic giver of gifts. She met the challenges of life with a strength few possess. 

Kathy dedicated time as a coach to her daughter Kelsey’s Special Olympics basketball and bowling teams. Kathy endlessly supported her daughter Kim in all sports, color guard activities, and educational and personal endeavors as well. She made her children's needs and interests her priority. For many years she would help her children to raise money for the Down Syndrome Association walk. She was committed and generous to her friends and beloved by all. Kathy met people with compassion, acceptance, and hospitality. 

Kathy had an adventurous spirit. She loved to travel all over the world with the ones she loved. One of her favorite places was walking on the beach in Englewood, Florida, hunting endlessly for shark’s teeth and soaking in the sun. 

Kathy was deeply loved and is profoundly missed by her family. She was preceded in death by her father Richard E. Doty. She is survived by her mother, Kathleen Doty; her daughters, Kelsey Cara, Kimberly Cara and her son in law Kevin Schmidt; her siblings, William (Pam) Doty, Michael (Diann) Doty, and Patricia (Hartmut Hedderich) Doty; seven nieces and nephews, Mary and Russell Doty, Shawn, Rick and Amanda Doty, Michael Dick, and Ross (Katie) Patrick; and two grandnieces, Katie Bell and Freya Patrick. Each of them holds cherished memories of her warmth, guidance, and unwavering love and support throughout their lives.

A Mass celebrating Kathleen's life will be held on September 9, 2024, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lafayette, Indiana. The service will begin at 11:00 AM, providing an opportunity for family and friends to come together to honor the legacy of a remarkable woman. 

Kathy will be buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs on Thursday, September 12th at 1pm. Those wishing to attend can meet the family at 12:45 pm at the main entrance to Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expy, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

 Her family in Colorado plans on hosting a celebration of life sometime this fall. 

Kathy and her family wish to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible medical care the staffs at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Lafayette Cancer Care, Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care, and Franciscan Hospice Care provided. We also wish to thank our close friends and loved ones who supported Kathy and our family throughout her medical journey whether it be on the phone or in person.

As we remember Kathleen Ann Cara, let us carry forward her spirit of strength, dedication, and kindness. Her memory will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy’s family are compiling a list of charities and organizations that touched her heart (the list will be placed on her Facebook and this obituary)