Kathryn "Kathy" Swindell FrenchJuly 29, 1955 - January 23, 2015Kathy Swindell French, a wonderful mother and loving wife, passed away unexpectedly last week in her home in Boise, Idaho at the age of 59. She was born on July 29, 1955 to Rex and Phyllis Swindell in Nampa, Idaho, where Kathy had a beautiful childhood with siblings Dave and Nancy. After graduating from BSU in 1974, she started her retail career at JC Penney and then the County Seat, where she sold a suit to the man who would love her forever, Steve French. Life took the newly married couple to Spokane, where Kathy worked to put her husband through law school, cementing a solid future for a budding family. By the time Steve graduated, recruiters convinced Kathy to leave her retail job at the Crescent in downtown Spokane for a job as an executive buyer and Divisional Sales Manager for five Meier and Frank department stores in Oregon. Steve and Kathy headed to Oregon. Her career was a fantastic success - earning her awards and sending her across the globe to Hong Kong, L.A., Manhattan, and Boise, where she orchestrated brilliant business deals and broke gender barriers by empowering women everywhere. While the job was perfect for Kathy, her true dream was to be back at home in Boise with her family. During a drive back to Portland after a 3 day visit to Boise, the two made another of their legendary spontaneous decisions and just one month later Kathy and Steve were residents of Boise. Kathy took a job at Honstead Homes in Nampa, Idaho and quickly was promoted to management. She grew the company from one sales location to seven locations in Idaho and Oregon and increased sales and profits by ten fold. Her success at Honstead Homes led to her being awarded the highest Idaho Manufactured Housing Association award and she was honored by the entire IMHA at their annual convention in 1995.The young, successful couple decided to give up the two income, no kids lifestyle with a joyous decision that led to the additions of Stephen in 1988, and Sarah in 1993 to their family. Kathy devoted herself to her kids, with whom she shared many joys and taught many life lessons. While she was proud of her work, any conversation with her would invariably turn to her two children, who she loved unconditionally. Kathy had many passions and interests including skiing - on snow and on water - traveling and backgammon. As a young, athletic woman with an industrious spirit, she worked hard to play hard. Stanley and Maui became as much a home as was Boise. She spent weeks in both vacation spots each year, where countless memories were made with her children, cousins, husband and family. Throughout her 59 years, Kathy visited Europe many times, including a trip with her grandmother when she was barely 18 years old. That year, she scrimped and saved her money to partially fund the trip, delighting her grandmother. Despite her health challenges, she made her final trip to Europe last summer, spending two weeks traveling around Italy with her sister Nancy and daughter Sarah. Her last trip into the mountains of central Idaho was simple but pleasant, spent playing games, reading, and waiting for the kids to get off the ski hill so she could once again prove her backgammon prowess. The later parts of Kathy's life were partially defined by the health challenges she faced. Her response to illness was tenacious, as well as determined. Through her health challenges, she was ever concerned with the well-being of her family. Kathy loved each of her 21 nieces and nephews and enjoyed the times she was able to spend with each of them. Kathy is survived by her husband Steve French, son Stephen French, daughter Sarah French, sister Nancy Farris, and father Rex Swindell. Kathy was preceded in death by her mother Phyllis Swindell and brother Dave Swindell. A Vigil was held at St. Mark's Catholic Church on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the same location today (Friday, January 30, 2015) at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception. The day will conclude with interment at Cloverdale Memorial Park.