Carol Ann "Kie" (Swears) Monaghan

Died 3/5/2024

Carol Ann Swears Monaghan, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the age of 85 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Kie was preceded in death by her sons: Todd Monaghan, Kevin Monaghan, parents, Gordon and Dorothy Swears and brother-in-law Arend Dawson.

She is survived by Dennis, her husband of 65 years; two daughters: Kristy Monaghan, Teri Monaghan; sister Darlene Dawson; and brother Monte Swears.

She entered this world on December 3, 1938 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and her life was a journey of love, family and friends, and constant adventure.

‘Kie' and Denny spent nearly 20 years in Los Alamos, after moving from Seattle, raising their family. Both were strong supporters of the Los Alamos Community, including the golf and ski associations. Kie worked for the Los Alamos National Bank after her children left the nest, and Denny was an Electrical Engineer at LANL. They moved from Los Alamos to Bethesda MD in the mid 1980s, and then returned to NM in 2018.

Kie had an unwavering dedication to her family, which was evident throughout her lifetime. She was keen to adapt and challenge herself due to her family’s involvement in a wide variety of outdoor activities; learning to ski, golf, fish and hiked to Lake Katherine in the NM Pecos with her family and her own backpack. Kie was a pretty good bowler, and was a lifelong sports advocate and spectator.

A fiercely social spirit, she cherished time with her family, loved dining out, and sharing her infectious laughter and loving nature with those around her. Kie and Denny's love for travel took them to many places around the world, but she held a special fondness for the beach, the sunshine and the ocean. She and Denny spent a tremendous amount of time in their later years on Grand Cayman Island, where Denny learned to scuba and Kie was the ‘Social Director’.

Kie lit up the room and made the world a far more loving place. Her legacy of warmth, acceptance and generosity will resonate through the many lives she touched during her lifetime. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

Kie and Denny planned a final ceremony to be held in St Maries, ID, where they will be placed at Woodlawn Cemetery together. Date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of ‘Carol Ann Swears Monaghan’.