Kathy Schwab

Kathy Rose Wiley Schwab, 72 of Austin, passed away on May 29, 2021 with her husband by her side. Kathy was born on August 29, 1948 in Canton, Ohio to Edwin Lee Wiley and June Kathryn (Laiblin) Wiley.

Kathy grew up in Louisville, Ohio and graduated from Louisville High School. Kathy attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. She received a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Texas at Austin. Kathy married Jerome “Jerry” Schwab on July 26, 1997 at Salem Lutheran Church in Austin.

Kathy valued education and wanted to pass on her knowledge to others. After completing her doctorate, she accepted a position as Professor of Biology at Huston-Tillotson University in January 1981. Kathy became Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and was actively teaching at Huston-Tillotson University until her death.

Kathy was an intelligent and caring person. In her teaching career, as in life, she cared deeply about others. In her forty years of teaching, she was a valued educator, trainer, advisor, and mentor. Kathy loved people and made friends wherever she went. We will always remember her beautiful smile.

Among Kathy’s many interests were birding, travelling, and University of Texas baseball. Kathy and Jerry’s favorite place to vacation was Banff, Canada. Kathy was a member of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education and was a board member for several years. Kathy was a long-time member of the Travis Audubon Society and was also a board member.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father and mother.

Kathy is survived by her husband; sister, Pamela Kay Wiley Arnone (Bob) of Carriere, Mississippi; niece, Shannon Mansfield (Tony) of Carriere, Mississippi; nephew, Robert Arnone (April) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; nephew, Shay Arnone (Tiffany) of Denham Springs, Louisiana; one great niece and five great nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 4, 2021, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Burial will take place at the Oakwood Cemetery Annex, 1600 Comal Street, Austin, Texas. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Kathy’s life at Kathy and Jerry’s home following the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Kathy’s name to the Biology Department of Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon Street, Austin, Texas 78702.