Kathleen DeSalvo Roberts

Kathleen DeSalvo Roberts, age 96 of Catholic Point, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 10, 2022. A Rosary will be held 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by visitation with the family. Roman Catholic funeral services will follow at at 11:00 am. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at Catholic Point. Arrangements are made by Harris Funeral Home. Kathleen was born in Catholic Point, Arkansas, to Frank and Osceola DeSalvo on February 24, 1926. She grew up in the vibrant and loving Italian American community and attended academic school at Catholic Point where she was taught by the nuns of the Benedictine Order. At a very early age, Kathleen learned the dignity of hard work and was known for her high standard of excellence in all that she did. She worked at Levi’s clothing factory in Morrilton, Arkansas, for 42 years where she worked alongside and led a team of dedicated employees to do exceptional, high-quality work each day. When Kathleen retired in 1988, her superiors, colleagues and co-workers praised her firm yet gentle leadership, always dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of work and encouraging others along the way to be their very best. Kathleen was known as a petite yet profound pillar and presence in her Catholic community. Among the close knit Italian American community where she lived her entire life, Kathleen was a peaceful, honorable and reliable member, especially dedicated to her faith, her family, friends and neighbors. For many years, Kathleen led St. Joseph’s Church Eucharist preparation for Mass and could be found most days at the church preparing for Mass, arranging beautiful flower bouquets, cleaning and organizing, always in reverent prayer. She was renowned for her esteemed position at the widely popular St. Joseph’s Annual Church Picnic each summer where she led the lively and sought after Cake Walk, working tirelessly to raise funds for parish needs. Over the years, she was a citizen volunteer in her community and supported fair Election Day voting activities in Conway County. Kathleen was a true believer in Catholic education and was a dedicated supporter and patron of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Morrilton for many, many years. Ever humble and with a simple elegance, she received numerous recognitions for her contributions to her community and was greatly admired and respected. Above all, Kathleen embraced her deep Italian roots and her Roman Catholic faith. She held a serene and sincere devotion to the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Mother. With humility, patience and gratitude, she celebrated all that is good in the world and admired God’s magnificent creation each and every day—whether that be a favorite pet or farm animal, a visiting bird from afar, a view of the glorious mountains from her porch swing, or an overflowing garden and abundance of flowers at her beautiful farm to rival any blooms in the world. She was wonderfully clever and creative, always resourceful. So many friends and family enjoyed her gentle and generous company and hospitality, her countless, delicious recipes from the impressive bounty of her cherished gardens and cookbooks. Kathleen was a caregiver to so many and she cared deeply and with real compassion for others. She was the mindful matriarch of a big and beautiful family and a loved one to countless relatives, neighbors and friends. Kathleen is survived by her loving and devoted children Patrick (Linda) Roberts and Louise (Daniel) Hartman. Her lasting legacy lives on in the families of her 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and many loving and loyal relatives, nieces, nephews and cousins. In all of her days, Kathleen held the same high standard of learning and living, groomed and grown in grace from a very young age, and these qualities remained with her always. She was known to affectionately sign every kind note or endearing card to loved ones with a single sage word of wisdom to aim high in life: “Excelsior!” Pallbearers will be the loving grandsons of Kathleen: Christopher Hartman, Gregory Hartman, Patrick Hartman, Andrew Hartman, Joseph Hartman, and Ethan Roberts. The family of Kathleen wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the devoted priests Monsignor Jack Harris, Father Joseph Friend and Father T.J Hart for sharing their time and devotion of prayers while administering the sacred sacraments of the Catholic Church to Kathleen through the years. The family offers great appreciation to the special caregivers and hospice home care who provided loving support and tender care to Kathleen. Memorials may be offered for the family of Kathleen at special intentions masses at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Donations may be offered in Kathleen’s memorial and honor to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Cemetery or through the Daniel and Louise Hartman Catholic and Special Education Fund at Sacred Heart School in Morrilton.

Kathleen DeSalvo Roberts

February 24, 1926 - March 10, 2022