Cathryn Kelley Smith

Cathryn Kelly Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend and educator passed away on July 17, 2025. Active, vibrant, and healthy for 77 years, Cathryn was always up for an adventure and quick to laugh. She was funny and kind and wanted to help people if she could.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1948, Cathryn was one of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Kelley. She pursued her passion for learning and language, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master's in Education from Simmons College. Cathryn was an avid reader throughout her life.

In 1972, Cathryn moved to Maui, where she fully embraced the island's culture and natural beauty. She became an advocate for environmental preservation, founding the grassroots organization Save Makena to prevent the development of Big Beach. Her efforts eventually led to the preservation of the beach as a state park. Her eloquent and thoughtful letters to the editors of the Maui News on a variety of topics earned her a “golden pen” from the publication. In her retirement, she continued her connection to the island by becoming a member of a local halau and dancing hula.

A dedicated educator, Cathryn enriched the lives of countless students throughout her career. She taught at Christ the King, Saint Joseph's, Kamehameha III, Kihei School, and Haiku Elementary. Even after retiring, she remained committed to education, working as an educational coordinator at the Sugar Museum, a substitute teacher, and a lunch aide at Kihei School. Cathryn was a remarkably devoted caregiver to her grandchildren.

Cathryn is survived by her three children: Nimblewill Makalani Dearden, Lightnin’ Makaleha Dearden (Christine Ann Dearden) and David Kelly Smith. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Kaleigh Strong, Leila Pierce, Jasmine Dagupion, Chayce Dagupion, Eligh Dagupion, Conner Joseph Dearden-Tyau, Lightnin’ Makoa Dearden, and River Mahina Dearden. She is also survived by her brothers, Kevin and Vincent Kelley; brother-in-law, Robin Newbold; sister-in-law, Pamela Kelley; nieces, Deirdre Newbold and Julia Kelley; and nephews, Ian Kelley, Timothy Newbold, Andrew Kelley, and Brendan Kelley. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Eugene, Brendan, Susan, and Margaret.

A memorial service in Cathryn’s honor will be held at Ocean Vodka on Saturday, October 4 at 4:30.