Gila Herald Staff Reports
SAFFORD — Heaven has recently gained a new resident. Cathy Ann Mooney Konopnicki departed this earthly life on July 5, 2026, leaving the Gila Valley a little dimmer, but infinitely warmer for the legacy of love, service, and laughter she left behind. She was 70 years old.
A celebration of Cathy’s vibrant life and deep faith will take place this week, and the community is invited to gather to honor her memory.
Service and Visitation Details
To accommodate the many friends, family members, and neighbors whose lives Cathy touched, the following services have been scheduled:
Visitations
- Thursday Evening Visitation:
- Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
- Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
- Location: Vining Funeral Home
- Friday Morning Visitation:
- Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
- Time: 9 to 9:45 a.m.
- Location: Safford Stake Center Relief Society Room (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Funeral & Concluding Services
- Funeral Service:
- Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: Safford Stake Center (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Officiant: Bishop Kevin Johnson
- Interment: Concluding graveside services will immediately follow the funeral at the Safford Cemetery.
A Life Lived with Unstoppable Joy
Born on Dec. 18, 1955, in Franklin, New Hampshire, Cathy was the oldest of four children born to Curtis and Gloria Mooney. From her earliest days, she was a creative, energetic force. Her mother fondly remembered that Cathy never really walked—she ran as soon as she was able. She spent her childhood embracing New Hampshire’s seasons, from ice skating and ice fishing on Newfound Lake in the winters to picnics and swimming in the summers.
Cathy went on to attend Colby-Sawyer College in 1973, where she forged lifelong friendships. Seeking her next adventure, she headed west to attend Brigham Young University. While there, she fell in love with the gospel and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Cathy proudly served her country in the U.S. Air Force as a mental health technician. She later returned to BYU to complete her Master’s Degree in Psychology, beginning her career as a school psychologist in Orem, Utah, before the beautiful desert cacti and her friend Holly called her to Arizona in 1985. She worked for five years in the Clifton School District while living in Safford, later transitioning to the Safford School District to end her daily commute. Cathy was beloved by students and colleagues alike.
Family, Photography, and Community Service
In 1991, Cathy’s life took a turn when she met Bill Konopnicki, a recent widower. Bill invited her to lunch “someday,” which Cathy humorously misheard as “Thursday.” They were married on June 21, 1991, and Cathy instantly embraced her new role as mother to Dave, Kris, and Mike.
A few years later, Bill and Cathy welcomed their daughter, Sara. Becoming Sara’s mother was one of the greatest joys of Cathy’s life. Together, they made service their daily mission. Whether they were filling neighborhood free libraries, creating the pandemic “Giving Tree” in their front yard, hosting trick-or-treaters, or leaving Dairy Queen gift cards on cars at the temple, Cathy and Sara looked for every opportunity to spread kindness.
Following Bill’s passing in 2012, Cathy turned to photography as an outlet. Her beautiful photos of desert sunsets, temples, cows, and cacti quickly gained a massive, appreciative Facebook following, and she generously shared her prints throughout the community.
Cathy created a beautiful, welcoming home that her grandchildren loved, complete with nighttime Easter egg hunts, pool parties, and desserts piled high with sprinkles.
An Unwavering Faith
Cathy’s connection to God was the guiding compass of her life. She served faithfully in many church callings, including as a Relief Society teacher and in the Stake Relief Society Presidency, though her absolute favorite was working with the Young Women.
When diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, Cathy’s profound faith and contagious laughter never wavered. Her doctor visits were filled with joy and humor, often surprising medical staff with her bright optimism. She faced the end of her earthly journey with absolute peace, knowing she was going to a beautiful place to meet her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Cathy is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Konopnicki, and her parents, Curtis Wells Mooney and Gloria Tucker Mooney.
She leaves behind her three siblings, Tracey Burhoe, Malcolm Mooney, and Curtis Mooney; her four children, David (Carol) Konopnicki, Kristine Konopnicki, Michael (Jeanne) Konopnicki, and Sara Konopnicki; 10 grandchildren, Janet, Whitney, Monique, Brandon, Jada, Sydney, Emily, Callie, Mitchell, and Dane; nine great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, cousins, and adoring friends.
