Kathy Marie (Begin) Cormier, 75, of Conway AR, passed away on Friday Aug 8, 2025. Kathy was at her home surrounded by her loving sister Joyce and her daughter Denise. Kathy’s three beloved beagles; Little One, Pretty Girl and Sneaky were by her side as well.
She was the eldest daughter of Ernest E. Begin and Muriel G. (Poulin) Begin. Kathy was born in Waterville, Maine but spent most of her adult life in West Warwick RI. Kathy was a career Correctional Officer for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections from 1984 – 2015. When her husband, Alfred D. Cormier of 50 years passed away in 2022, Kathy decided to make a fresh start in Conway Arkansas. She continued her love of gardening and filling her yard with decorations for all to enjoy. She spent hours every morning in the garden, on her bike trainer or at the gym. In the afternoon you could find her on one of her porches reading a book or tuning in to a live sporting event. Kathy was very generous with her time and money, often helping local wildlife rehabbers with capturing, transporting and feeding orphaned and injured animals. She made numerous donations to local rescues and shelters.
Kathy is survived by her sister Joyce Carlson, her son Brett and his wife Shonna, and her three daughters; Dottie Celanie and her husband Kelly of West Warwick, RI. Michelle Santurri and her husband John of Cranston RI and Denise and her partner Jim of Conway AR; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. For more than 30 years, Kathy shared countless adventures and misadventures with her best friend and co-worker Martha Cowell.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
15 Comments
Love and miss you mom
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Kathy, you will be greatly missed. You touched many lives while working at the Prison. You had the perfect disposition working with those Women. I will miss our luncheon and our many conversations. Rest in Peace my friend, until we meet again. Lisa
Love you aunt kathy. Tell everyone we say hi.. till I see you again
So sorry for your loss prayers for you and your family. If you need anything please let us know
I continue in a state of shock Kathy. You were as close to indestructible a human being as I have ever met. I never felt safer than when you had our backs. Well, you’ve weathered your last storm and can take that rest you always needed, but never seemed to find. My condolences to your family for their loss. I pray it won’t be long before their thoughts of you brings them comfort.
Kathy, rest in peace. Shortly after starting the job I worked with your husband Al. He was a seasoned correctional officer veteran and a wonderful man. About 10 years later I had the pleasure of meeting you and working with you. I nicknamed you, “Ma”. I would always call you Ma because I admired you and looked up to you. You were an extraordinary woman who set the bar on what a compassionate and fair correctional officer was at Women’s Division. You treated the staff and the inmates with respect and dignity. You could be firm when you needed to be but never a bully. You were courageous and always one of the first officer’s at the scene of a code. As a Lieutenant at women’s division I appreciated your professionalism more than you’ll ever know. I am sure Al is waiting at heaven’s door to greet you. God bless you and rest in peace, “Ma”.
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was always a caring and giving person. I have many fond memories of her from my childhood. Rest in peace Kathy. 🙏
Ty for everything mom. Love you ❤️
Kathy, you were one of a kind .. operative word, “kind”. To Family, friends, co-workers, .. virtually every person and “critter” who crossed your path. Always savvy , but always Kind!! ❣️
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Kathy was such a wonderful person. I know she will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kathy you are a true professional and such a hard worker with a great personality. It was really great to work with you in the early years of my career. You were wonderful with the population and you were great to everyone who came in contact with you. Rest in peace Kathy
RIP my friend. Mornings at the gym are just not the same without you. We all miss you.
Such a wonderful person. I will miss seeing her at the restaurant.. Rest in peace Kathy !
Kathy I met you in the late 80’s while at your job , you were the sweetest and most amazing person ever. You were kind to everyone, you never judged or treated anyone differently. You were very much respected and appreciated by the whole population. Too bad the other CO’s weren’t like you. Not even close! There will never be another Kathy Cormier. R.I.P 😇 Love you and Thank you for all the conversations and Advice.
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