Kathy Ann Smith (Nelligan)

Calais – Kathy Ann Smith, 60, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Kathy was born in Bangor on April 14, 1959, daughter of William and Sally (Shain) Nelligan.

After graduating from Calais High School, Class of 1978, Kathy went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Maine at Farmington, Class of 1982. She obtained her High School Teacher Certification – Special Education from University of Maine. Currently, Kathy was working towards completing her Master’s Degree in Education.

After her children were older, Kathy directed her attention to her passion of teaching. She was currently employed with Calais High School. In 2018 she received the State of Maine High School Teacher of the Year, which was sponsored by the V.F.W. Her devotion to her students and family aided her daily as she fought her illness to the end of her life.

Kathy loved to stay active in the community. Kathy was a woman with strong Christian beliefs from childhood. She was a Communicant of Immaculate Conception R.C. Church in Calais where she was a Sunday School Teacher and Director. Kathy also was a girl and boy scout leader, cross country coach, National Honor Society Advisor, quilter, enjoyed arts and crafts, Breast Cancer Advocate, an avid reader and academic.

Some of her fondest memories were made at her family’s camp on Nash’s Lake where she enjoyed swimming, boating, reading and relaxing. She had many loving memories of her grandparents, father and family during summers on the lake.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Lafayette Center and Calais Regional Hospital for the excellent care she received; and to her close friends and neighbors for their support to Kathy and her family while at the hospital and at home.

Kathy was predeceased by her father, William E. Nelligan Jr; and a baby brother, Michael James. Surviving are her devoted husband of 34 years, John Smith; mother, Sally Nelligan; four children, Jonathan Smith and his companion Andrea Floyd, Emily Smith and her husband Matthew, Stephen Smith and his companion Tiana Lola and Sarah Pike and her husband Nathan; three grandchildren, Riley, Jackson and Emma Smith, along with a fourth expected to arrive in December; her sister, Suzanne Kelley and her husband Tim; two brothers, William Nelligan and his wife Dawn and Thomas Nelligan and his wife Thelma and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held 5-8 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2019 at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Kevin J. Martin 10:00am Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Calais Ave., Calais. Burial will follow in Calais Cemetery. Donations in her memory are requested to be given to Wreaths For Hope at 405 Shattuck Rd., Calais, ME 04619.