Katherine Creager Swire

Kathy Swire, 64, of Brunswick, Maryland, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with leukemia, surrounded by her loving family.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Cory Swire; her daughter, Ellie B., and husband Kyle; her son, Mikey S., and wife Devon; and her cherished grandchildren, Matthew B., Anna B., Aiden S., and Layla S. She is also survived by her mother, Barbara Creager; her sisters Beth; Carol and her wife Sarah; and Barb; as well as seven nieces and nephews and two great-nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, John Creager.

Born on May 5, 1961, Kathy grew up as part of a Navy family and was the oldest of four girls. She graduated from Frederick High School in 1979, where she met the love of her life, Cory. Kathy dedicated her career to education, beginning as a special education teacher before serving as a second-grade teacher, math specialist, and ultimately retiring as a principal with Frederick County Public Schools.

A lifelong learner with a deep passion for teaching, Kathy earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership in 2019 and went on to teach as a professor at Hood College until last fall. She was a natural leader, an unwavering supporter of others, an advocate for women in math and science, and an exceptional soul. Kathy shared her love of reading generously and was her children’s biggest cheerleader in every stage of life.

Kathy loved to travel with Cory and was always willing to throw away the map just to see what adventures might unfold. Her fondness for Disney and camping shaped many treasured family vacations.

Above all, Kathy was happiest when surrounded by family. She took immense joy in her role as “Mom-Mom” and even learned to play online video games to stay connected with her grandchildren. She treasured watching Matthew perform in marching band, taking Anna to art shows and helping with summer camps, playing games and reading with Aiden, and laughing as she followed Layla’s lead in imaginative play.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Kathy’s honor to SHIP (Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership) of Frederick County at: https://shipfrederick.com/donations/memorial-donation/ or PO Box 1629 Frederick, MD 21702.

The family is receiving visitors in remembrance of Kathy on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley 124 N Market St Frederick, MD.