Kathleen Marie Sverdrup

Kathleen Marie Sverdrup, 60, passed away on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, at her home in Libby. She was born in Anchorage, the Territory of Alaska, on Feb. 11, 1958, to Lawrence and Emily Sverdrup. She grew up in Anchorage and moved frequently as an Air Force child, until the family settled in Libby.

Kathleen was a free spirit who loved music, dancing and poetry. An avid flute player, when the Libby High School Band was selected to represent Montana, she marched in the Bicentennial Parade in New York City. She enjoyed her first experience of the Big Apple and continued to play her flute throughout her life. She graduated from Libby High School in 1976.

She worked at Lincoln County Title Company in Libby for eight years. Then craving adventure, she attended airline school. She graduated at the top of her class and was immediately hired by America West Airlines. She worked in Colorado Springs, Colorado for 10 years. While in Colorado, she married and gave birth to her son Nicholas, who was the joy in her world. Following a rough divorce, she moved back to Libby, where she drove school buses and firefighters until she suffered a stroke. Upon her recovery, she went back to school and graduated as a RNA from Flathead Community College. She then worked at Libby Care Center and Addus Home Care before retiring due to asbestosis.

Kathleen had a great work ethic and loving heart, helping whoever was in need. Up until her death, Libby residents still thanked her for the wonderful care of their parents as a RNA. May God raise her up and hold her in the palms of His hands.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her sister Marie and niece Jennica.

Survivors include her son, Nicholas Yeanuzzi and fiancé Emily Johnson of Yellowstone; her parents, Lawrence and Emily Sverdrup of Libby; her brothers Larry (Mirian, kids; Kaleb, Nolan and Sierra) of San Diego, California, James (Jacki; Zachary, Courtney, and Chelsea) of Lakeside, Kalispell and Sidney, Francis (Marsha; Naia, Cora, and Lila) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Eric (Rose; Austin, Andrew, Nathan) of Oro Valley, Arizona; her sisters Eileen (Kids; Gunnar, Emily) of Portland, Oregon, Sharron (Dave; Adam) of Libby, Sandra (Ted; Crystal) of Whitefish, and Linda (Terry; Kristen and Lea) of Oklahoma, Libby and Sacramento, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Rosary is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Libby, followed by celebration of Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at St. Joseph. Arrangements were under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.