Kathleen F. Bauer

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Kathleen F. Bauer (nee Dawson), who left this world peacefully on June 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Kathy was born to Warren James Dawson and Rita Justine Dawson (nee Morneau) on April 15, 1948 in Richfield, MN. The family moved in 1959 and Kathy spent most of her life in the vibrant community of Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she graced the lives of many with her unwavering love, indomitable spirit, and generous heart.

Kathleen was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Bertrand J. Bauer, and a remarkable mother and grandmother. As a family-oriented individual, she cherished her family, taking immense pride in nurturing and supporting her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, she embodied the true meaning of devotion, dedicating herself fully to her family. Her nurturing nature and kind spirit created a home that radiated warmth and love, where family gatherings were filled with laughter and connection.

As a creative entrepreneur, Kathleen distinguished herself in various professional endeavors. Her talents shone brightly as an accomplished manager and interior designer, where her keen eye for design transformed countless spaces into beautiful sanctuaries. As an entrepreneur she established two businesses for military families to purchase American made furniture while overseas for delivery upon Permanent Change of Station returning to the United States at end of tour.

In another entrepreneurial endeavor she established techniques from Color Me Beautiful: Discover Your Natural Beauty Through the Colors That Make you Look Great and Feel Fabulous! Kathy pioneered this concept by starting her own business, Natures Palette. A consulting service using Four Seasons of Color to to assign an individualized palette for wardrobe and cosmetics to enhance appearance. These techniques and talents evolved into the interior design work in the home furnishings business, often staging model homes such as in the Colorado Annual Parade of Homes. Her innate creativity and commitment to helping others ensured everyone she encountered felt valued and inspired. Her legacy as a hardworking and innovative businesswoman is a testament to her dedication and passion.

Kathy was adventurous and loved horseback riding in Garden of the Gods when you could ride throughout the park. She also loved motorcycle riding, teaching the children to ride the many trails in Colorado Parks and Open Spaces.

Kathy’s life was characterized by a fierce love for her family, a commitment to her craft, and a desire to bring joy to those she loved. Her most significant accomplishment was not merely her professional success but the beautiful family she raised and the lasting impact she made on their lives. Kathleen instilled in her loved ones the importance of compassion, resilience, and the value of hard work, lessons that will resonate for generations to come. She supported all the children and grandchildren activities especially sports, recitals, and school events.

Kathy established many family traditions that will endure. As an accomplished baker she made everyone's favorite birthday cake, including all the employees at her work place. The twins in our family always got individual cakes, not a shared cake. Christmas Cookie baking and decorating was a most popular tradition making a dozens of cookies in over a dozen varieties of cookies. Everyone knew that Grammie's cookies were the best ever! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthdays all had traditions established. Halloween pumpkin carving was a major event as the carvings were exquisite and everyone carved their own masterpiece.

Kathy was an excellent cook and argued she was not a chef as many insisted because a cook cleans up after themselves and a chef has someone else cleanup. She was an exceptional Italian cook and pastry maker with Cannolis made from scratch!

Kathleen is survived by her devoted husband, Bertrand, along with her cherished children: Rebecca Leigh Bauer and Bertrand J. Bauer and his wife Jennifer, whose family includes her adorable grandchildren Joseph, Paige, Rylee, and Gavyn. She is also survived by her son Warren J. Bauer and his wife Roslyn, along with their children, Brooks and Bolton. Each family member carries a piece of Kathleen's spirit and unwavering love.

In this time of mourning, we take solace in remembering Kathleen F. Bauer—a woman who lived a life rich in love, grace, and a commitment to uplifting others. Her legacy will forever reside in the hearts of those she touched.