Mary "Kathy" Katherine Capawana

Mary K. “Kathy” Capawana passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at her daughter’s home. She lived life to the fullest for her 79 years and leaves behind a legacy of laughter and joy passed on to those who knew her. “Having too much fun” wasn’t an option so “Lung cancer” is listed as the cause of death. She grew up in Ferguson Missouri and was the oldest of six children. Before you ask… she went to St. John & James Middle School and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas in 1961. She cherished her childhood friendships, attending reunions and their active email group. She married Richard “Dick” E. Smith in 1964 and for the next 20 years they built a fun, loving, nurturing home for their children; a home that welcomed friends and family for holidays, special occasions or just a simple card party. Kathy was a great cook and the kind of hostess who made sure everyone was having a good time. You never left hungry and always wanted to come back. In 1985, Kathy started her career with Price-Waterhouse. She was so proud that while she did not have the opportunity to go to college, she was able to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and did financial accounting for one of the top consulting firms in the country. While building her professional resume, she also grew her social network in Soulard as one of the founding crew of the now famous Mardi Gras and Bastille Days celebrations. Kathy’s career took her to Tarpon Springs Florida where she met her soul mate and love of her life, Anthony “Cappy” Capawana. They were the epitome of joy. They went on no less than 50 cruises and found beauty in every corner of the world. They never let things like lost luggage or bad weather diminish their fun. When they weren’t on a cruise, Cappy was planning their next one and mom was happy to sit and watch the birds, listen to music, lead her favorite ladies in water aerobics and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Kathy and Cappy moved back to St. Louis in 2017 where Kathy spent her final years caring for Cappy then being cared for by her family. She loved living at Laclede Groves where she charmed her neighbors, her friends, and the staff there with her smile, her stories, and her strength. Through it all, Kathy was a rock and never wavered in her love and commitment to her family. She is survived by her children; Patrick (Denise) Smith, Joann (Brian) Donelon; grandchildren, Jessica (Serxhio) Hoxha, Malorie Smith, Tricia Smith, and Thomas Donelon; great grandchild Eleanor Mary Hoxha with her second great grandchild, baby Hoxha, arriving soon. Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved Cappy, her parents, Joseph and Helen Kulage and her amazing baby brother, Joe Kulage. She is survived by her siblings Margaret “Peggy” (Mike Salavouris) Brockmann, Theresa “Terry” (Bill) Barto, Tim (Joanie) Kulage, and Noreen Smith. She was dearly loved Aunt Kath to a dozen nieces, nephews and had about 30 cousins who she treasured. Services include visitation at Chapel Hill Mortuary on Friday 9/22 from 4-7pm and a Memorial Service at the Chapel at Laclede Groves on Saturday 9/23 at 10am. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning to dance in the rain.

Mary "Kathy" Katherine Capawana

October 27, 1943 - September 10, 2023