Caitlin Marie Kaufman

On July 24th, 1989, at exactly 7:24 a.m., Paul Conway and Kelley Riley Conway welcomed their first child into the world—a brown-eyed girl named Caitlin Marie, born in Boulder, Colorado. From the beginning, Caitlin brought an unmistakable energy into the lives of those around her: sharp, curious, empathetic, and full of laughter.

Raised in Loveland and Windsor, Colorado, Caitlin’s childhood was filled with music, animals, and an ever-expanding love for people and the world’s oddities. She was a fierce protector of those she loved, and a relentless advocate for those who needed a voice—whether they were close to her heart or simply passing through her orbit.

At 15, Caitlin began attending Fossil Ridge High School, where she brought her radiant spirit to the dance team and multiple choirs. She began building the foundations of lifelong friendships—including the one with her future husband, Ryan. What began as a deep, easy companionship would years later evolve into a rare and steadfast love, rooted in mutual admiration, humor, and a shared understanding of life’s quirks.

After briefly attending the University of Northern Colorado, Caitlin chose a different path—one defined not by titles or expectations, but by determination, compassion, and a desire to understand and show up for others. She carried people’s stories with her, often shouldering the weight of others’ burdens as if they were her own. She had a quiet way of becoming the glue that held together the fractured pieces of the lives she touched—never asking for recognition, just showing up, again and again.

Caitlin had a gift for finding joy in the small and the strange: reality television and wine with her mom, Harley rides with her dad, rainy walks through the Renaissance Festival with her father-in-law, Brian, and dinner theater with her mother-in-law, Judith.

She cherished date nights, spontaneous adventures, “Seester time”, and stand-up comedy—especially when laced with a bit of irreverent, well-earned humor.

Her heart swelled with pride for her loved ones. Whether it was celebrating a small win or a major life milestone, Caitlin was the loudest cheerleader in the room. Her smile—wide, bright, and utterly sincere—would light up when talking about the people she loved, especially her husband, Ryan. Their bond was built on years of friendship, laughter, trust, and deep respect. She saw in him what was extraordinary, and made sure he—and others—saw it too.

At the core of Caitlin’s heart was her deep bond with her sister, Casey. More than a sibling, Casey was Caitlin’s confidant and best friend—the person she turned to for laughter, advice, venting, and a good gossip session. Caitlin celebrated Casey’s growth with pride, never missing an opportunity to express how deeply she admired the woman her sister had become.

Caitlin was the kind of person who made space for “good talks” with anyone who needed one. She listened, she learned, and she gave her whole heart, even when it was heavy. Her home was filled with laughter, music, and the comforting presence of her beloved cats—Dub, Cleo, and Stevie.

Caitlin is deeply missed by her husband and best friend, Ryan Kaufman; her parents, Kelley Conway Cobb and Paul Conway; her sister, Casey Conway; her cherished in-laws, extended family, and a wide community of friends who became family over the years.

Her stubborn kindness, her wit, her warmth, and her wild loyalty live on in the lives she touched. Caitlin showed up for people. Every day. In her own, unmistakable way.

In the spirit of her wishes, we will remember Caitlin not with sorrow, but with celebration. She hoped that everyone who crossed her path would carry with them a positive memory—something light, something funny, something meaningful. She asked that we not grieve her, but instead live in a way that reflects the values she held most dear: kindness, empathy, and the courage to show up for others, even when it’s hard.

As she often said, with a smile and a shrug at the world’s madness:

"It's chaos. Be kind."