Kathleen “Kathy” Jean Swinn, 74, a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz, California, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, at Pacific Coast Manor. After a courageous three-year battle with strokes and dementia, followed by pneumonia, Kathy is now at rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on April 21, 1952, in Santa Cruz, Kathy was the daughter of the late Bruce and Jean (Ward) Morse. She was preceded in death by her aunt, Midge Ehrman, and her sister, Patricia Morse. Kathy is survived by her siblings, Susan (Mike) Hottel and Ray (Linda) Morse; her two children, Patricia “PJ” Swinn and Robert Swinn Jr.; her niece, Amber (Wayne) Hottel Ayer; great-nephews Ethan and Matt Ayer; and great-niece Naomi Ayer. She is also survived by her nephew Jason Hottel; nephew Josh (Anah) Hottel and great-nephews Ryker and Kyler Hottel; and nephew Ryan (Amy) Morse and great-nieces Hazel and Rose Morse.

While raising Robert and PJ as a single mother, Kathy completed the nursing program at Cabrillo College in Aptos with honors and was named to the Dean’s List, graduating on May 29, 1992. She went on to have an incredible nursing career in the Santa Cruz area, starting as an RN at Los Gatos Community Hospital (1992–1994). She then served as a nurse examiner for the County of Santa Cruz Sexual Assault Response Team from 1994 to 1996.

Kathy joined the nursing staff at Dominican Hospital in May 1996. Through her hard work and dedication to her calling, she rose to the position of Nurse Supervisor, a role she held from July 2006 until her retirement on July 5, 2019.

Known for her adventurous spirit, Kathy loved traveling the country with close friends, spending time at the beach, and enjoying her favorite Starbucks coffee. She was a published poet who deeply loved her friends, her family, and her community. Over the years, she served on various committees throughout Santa Cruz County. Following her retirement, Kathy found great joy serving at the People’s Pantry at Twin Lakes Church.

Kathy will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Pacific Coast Manor for their dedicated care during her final weeks, as well as to Kathy’s neighbors, who cared for her and made her feel like extended family.

A private family viewing will be held to honor Kathy’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the People’s Pantry at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, California.