Kathryn A. Lijewski

Kathryn Ann Lijewski, age 85, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Fortress Living care home in Hot Springs.

She was born June 28, 1937, in Peru, Ill., the daughter of George and Catherine Smith.

Kay earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and was a teacher in Hot Springs School District for 18 years. She was a member of the Garland County Retired Teachers Association and Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, IOTA Chapter. She served as a board member of the Garland County Community Service Organization. She received numerous teaching awards. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, painting, crocheting and watching musicals, although her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends.

Kay is survived by her son, Joe Lijewski (Debbie) of Hot Springs, son Eric Lijewski of Omaha, Neb., and daughter Cathie Burton (Russell) of Hot Springs. Sisters, Ginny Mrowicki (Ron) and Janet Diaz, and one brother, George Smith (Cathy). Eleven grandchildren, Kirby Newcomb, Garrett Lijewski, Justin Lijewski, Caitlyn Paulick (Joe), Shayna Lijewski, Carissa Lijewski, Andrew Lorigan (Susan), Cole Lorigan, Ashley Bridges (Brian), Kelsey Smalling (Clark) and Ryan Burton (Angela). She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Catherine Smith, and a sister, Marion Spitzmiller.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 26,, 2023, at Hot Springs Funeral Home, 1017 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 27, (rosary at 1:30 p.m.) at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church, 100 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901, with Father Ravi Gudipalli presiding.

Memorials may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences at http:// www.hotspringsfh.com.