Kathy Lynn Nash – April 4, 2024

Kathy Lynn Nash

On Thursday, April 4th, 2024, Kathy Lynn Nash, a beloved daughter, sister, auntie, retired teacher and community servant passed away at age 62.   She is survived by her mother, Linnie L. Nash of Colorado Springs, and her brother, Michael Nash of Palm Bay, Florida. Born in Parsons, Kansas, and a resident of Colorado Springs most of her life, Kathy first traveled the world with her military family before she obtained her bachelor’s degree in teaching.

Kathy landed her first education job as a middle school teacher.  However, her passion ignited in 1986 with a first-grade teaching position at Grant Elementary in Colorado Springs.  She held this position until her retirement in 2018. Kathy persistently encouraged students to read and had an impressive library of curated books from flea markets and thrift stores. She was involved in Night of 1000 Stars, a large community event at Grant Elementary which has grown to almost 800 people attending.  On this night, real authors connect with students during a family evening of fun activities. Anyone who asked Kathy about Night of 1000 Stars might notice a sparkle in her eyes as she excitedly shared its impact on young readers and her adventures finding and inviting local authors. Kathy became an author herself when in 2020 she co-authored the book, Choose Kindness (Lulu, 2020) and read it with her co-author at Night of 1000 Stars. Her legacy shines through this event, now led by her former student-now-teacher.

Kathy taught over 750 children during her more than 30 years in the classroom, a career that was clearly a life calling. Former students, many now adults with their own children, still have treasured memories of their time in Ms. Nash’s classroom.  They remember her lasting and positive impact of love and learning and authentic interest in their lives outside the classroom. She frequently verbalized a kind of life motto: “Be kind, careful and caring!” More caught than taught, many of her learners still carry these values today and remember her as one of the most kind, careful and caring humans to exist. Keeping students in her heart even after the close of each school year, Ms. Nash kept a photo album of every child who passed through her classroom.  She continued to pray blessings on them through the years. Some of them continued to keep in touch with her and their life updates brought her oodles of joy.

Kathy loved the Lord Jesus and followed him by serving others every day of her life. Known by many as “Auntie,” “Sis,” or other terms of endearment, her reach didn’t stop with teaching.  Using her gift of encouragement and service, she volunteered with the special needs community at New Life Church for over a decade. Additionally, Kathy traveled to Ground Zero in New York City after 9/11 to feed and support emergency workers.  She continued orphan mission work during her summer breaks with trips to teach and show love in Afghanistan, Philippines, Myanmar, Uganda, Mexico & Cambodia. Kathy was frequently found in the middle of a circle of children, no matter the setting. 

Kathy loved her family and dedicated herself to caring for her parents after retirement. She shared her high esteem for her father for his military service, dedication to his family and love for sharing Christian literature with people he met. Kathy admired her mother for her vigilant patience, faithfulness in marriage and quick-witted jokes. She will be missed by family and friends. She brought joy and light everywhere. Please honor her by following her loving example to be and to do that which is, “kind, careful and caring.”

A feisty competitor at the game table, Kathy enjoyed a round of cards and hardly ever turned down a gift of M&M’s. With a memory sharper than a tack, Kathy was an engaging storyteller.  Sometimes the stories were about students.  Other times she spoke of her travels, family memories, or an everyday moment. Whether they were serious, humorous, or spiritual tales, Kathy’s magnetic energy caused her listeners to laugh, to cry, and to leave inspired. Kathy’s laughter was distinctly from the belly, contagious and accompanied by an occasional snort. Complimenting her lighter side, she was full of deep empathy. Kathy asked masterful questions and prayed with people who were hurting. She made many people feel valued, loved, accepted and important to this world.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at The World Prayer Center, New Life Church, 11005 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. The service will be streamed at: https://bit.ly/kathynashmemorial. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the orphanage she visited 5 times at https://asiaheartbeat.org/ or Grant Elementary Classroom Fund in honor of Kathy Nash.