MADISON - Kathy Ann (Swanson) DeChant, age 64, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Agrace Hospice Care.

Kathy was born on March 21, 1961, in Beloit, WI, the daughter of Charles and Virginia (Torkilson) Swanson. She spent most of her childhood in Janesville, WI and graduated from Janesville Parker High School in 1979, where she met many lifelong friends. She then began a career in dentistry, eventually moving to Madison, WI, where she became Office Manager for Madison Family Dental Associates. On April 8, 1989, she went on a blind date with Daniel DeChant, where they would each meet the love of their life. They were engaged exactly one year later and married on September 8, 1990, in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii. Kathy soon retired from her dental career to begin a lifelong calling as the mother of two wonderful girls, Cosette and McKenna.

Kathy enjoyed being active outdoors, including daily walks with the girls, running, biking, swimming, boating, and gardening. Kathy, Dan, and the girls loved traveling the world and especially enjoyed their many family trips. Kathy was a devoted mother and spent hours reading to her girls when they were younger. She was always there for her girls as they developed their own passions for dance, sports, academics, and travel. She was affectionately known as the "dance mom" when she proudly supported and attended all the girls’ dance events from kindergarten through high school. For many years she enjoyed supporting UW-Madison sports, attending countless football and basketball games. Kathy also loved spending time with their beloved dog, Sadie, especially after the girls went off to college. Later, when she had more time on her hands, Kathy really enjoyed her time volunteering at Agrace Hospice Care. Those that knew Kathy will remember her for her big heart, as she loved nothing more than to please her family and friends. But nothing brought her more joy than her beloved family, who will forever cherish the memories of their time together.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Daniel; daughters, Cosette (Brian) Champion and McKenna DeChant; granddaughter, Madeline Champion; father, Charles Swanson; and siblings, Dennis (Rhonda) Swanson, Denise (Lonnie) Mansi and Connie (Mike) Sherley. She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Swanson; and brother, Steven Swanson.

A Celebration of Life to honor Kathy will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. Please allow extra time to enjoy the Bolz Conservatory and the other gardens.

A private family burial will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Kathy’s final resting place will be at Calvary Cemetery, Indiana Avenue and Vine Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI.

For memorial contributions, the family is asking that donations be made to Agrace Hospice Care at www.agrace.org. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Kathy Ann DeChant

March 21, 1961 - October 15, 2025

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