Kathleen M. Baca

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Baca, age 63, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Weimar, Texas in 1961 to Roy and Bernice Baca. Later, her and her family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a graduate of NLR Northeast Class of 1979. Kathy went to nursing school and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1985. 

Kathy dedicated 39 years of her life to nursing, touching countless lives with her compassion and care. Her nurturing nature and dedication to helping others earned the admiration of her colleagues and patients over those years. Kathy began her nursing career at St. Vincent’s Infirmary and later moved on to work at Fresenius Medical Care in 1997. After 11 years at Fresenius Medical Care, Kathy went to work at Renal Associates for Dr. Shane Kimball. Dr. Kimball became one of Kathy’s greatest mentors and friends. In 2013, Kathy made her way back to Fresenius Medical Care and touched patients’ lives until the day she passed away. At Fresenius, she worked alongside some of her greatest friends; unwavering friends, who were there for her during her best and worst days. Beyond her love of caring for others, Kathy was known for her love for animals, bird houses, wind chimes, gardening, cooking and creating beautiful and meaningful works of art through quilting, crocheting and needle point. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmanuel Roy and Bernice Baca; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Sue Baca; and sister, Brenda Baca. Kathy’s light continues to shine through her brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Babette Baca; nieces and nephews, Amanda Baca, Bobby Baca (Loren), Courtney Osborn (Nick), Ashton Deweese (Mickey); great nieces and nephews, Harley Zolnierzak, Wendell Osborn, Skylar Deweese; and her beloved fur-babies, Little Man and Miss Grey. 

A heart felt thank you goes to Dr. Shane Kimball at Renal Associates and her colleagues at Fresenius Medical. Kathy found not only a rewarding career but also a cherished sense of family that has shown her unwavering care, love and support.  

As a lifelong animal lover, Kathy found great joy in rescuing and caring for animals. To honor her spirit of compassion and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Little Rock Animal Village or Humane Society of Pulaski County, where her legacy of kindness and giving can continue to touch the lives of furry friends.  

The service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 23rd. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with a celebration of Kathy’s life to follow at 1:00 pm.