Katharine "Kate" A. Lewis

Katharine “Kate” Lewis

May 14, 1957 – October 29, 2025

Katharine “Kate” Lewis, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2025 surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Katharine Ann Swanson was born on May 14, 1957, in Burbank, California, to Carl Swanson and Margaret Banwell Swanson. The youngest of five children, she was raised in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. After graduating from Sahuaro High School in 1975, she obtained her nursing degree and went on to work as a postpartum nurse in the OBGYN department at Chandler Regional Medical Center.

On November 29, 1980, she married Scott Lewis in Chandler, Arizona. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Tim, Nora, Trent, and Colin. Kate was an incredibly loving and devoted stay-at-home mom throughout their childhood and later became the proud “Kammy” to eleven grandchildren who were the light of her life.

Kate was the proud owner of Montgomery’s Grill and Saloon in Vail, Arizona. She loved her work there and was deeply beloved by her staff and patrons. She was a savvy businesswoman and an integral part of her husband’s many business endeavors.

A lifelong animal lover and horse enthusiast, Kate found joy riding her horse, Stinger, through the Saguaro National Monument. She was also a gifted homemaker who hosted beautiful holidays and dinners for family and friends. She loved traveling, the ocean, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, who were the center of her world.

Kate faced her illness with remarkable strength, resilience, and faith. Her unshakable trust in God’s plan was an inspiration to all who knew her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her amazing care team, including nurse practitioner Katie Ball, caretaker Yadelle Yousey, and the many dedicated doctors and nurses who cared for her throughout her journey.

Kate is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Scott Lewis; her children Tim (Stacy) Lewis, Nora (Jason) Brady, Trent Lewis, and Colin (Younkyoung) Lewis; and her grandchildren Madison Sundholm; Brody, Parker, and Reese Lewis; Jayden (Valentina), Spencer, Ryder, Hayes, Nash, and Vera Brady; and Ruby Lewis. She is also survived by her siblings Julie Balding, Maggie Jones, Sue Dimmitt, and Rich Swanson, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Peg Swanson.

A Rosary and Memorial Mass will take place at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5150 N. Valley View Rd., Tucson, AZ 85718. The Rosary will be held on November 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. and the Memorial Mass will be held November 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Houston Ranch, 12801 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85748.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kate’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization that supports our nation’s wounded and fallen soldiers, a cause that was very close to her heart. www.garysinisefoundation.org