Mrs. Kathleen Kennedy

Kathleen Mary Kennedy, known to her loved ones as Kathy, Mom, Nana or Mama K, was born on November 27, 1957 in Kingston Ontario Canada. She was adopted by James and Rosemary Kennedy, She was brought to the United States on August 15, 1961. She was the youngest of four siblings, Lawrence, Joanne and Jimmy. She was a very spirited child. She was quite talkative and very funny. While school was not her favorite place she did graduate from high school in 1976.

In 1977, she moved to Chicago where she formed lifelong friendships with many people who would be close family. During her early twenties she truly lived her best life. She was smart, beautiful and the life of the party. There was no place she wouldn't go and no one she wouldn't talk to. If you were blessed enough to know her during this time you knew there wasn't much she wouldn't do or say LOL.

For many years she believed she could never conceive but in 1984 she gave birth to her daughter, LaKisha. And in 1985 on her birthday she would welcome her 1st son, Antoine. She was overjoyed by the birth of her children and knew she needed to make some drastic life changes. From that moment on she sought to make a better life for herself and her children. She overcame many difficult obstacles that truly tested her mental, spiritual and physical strengths. Even though there were plenty of tough times, she never gave up. She moved many times and to many different cities in search of a place to call Home. Each time gaining more friends that would become family. During this journey she was blessed to take in 2 more children that would become her sons, Johnny and Gino. Her small family was now complete, and her heart was full.

Kathy moved to Evanston where she was able to settle down and begin to enjoy some of the fruits of all her hard labor. Here she learned she loved being of service to people in many different capacities, from her favorite jobs as a receptionist and cashier to helping and being a part of her church. Another newfound love and joy were being a grandmother to 24 amazing grandchildren, one in particular Trinity whom she helped name and raise, growing a truly unbreakable bond with her.

Kathy absolutely loved playing cards, but not if you can't play cause get off the table (ha ha her words not mine). She loved playing yatzee and bingo with her grandkids and sending them on late night Mcflurry runs. She loved her Zucchini bread, life cereal and oatmeal. She loved all things purple, butterflies, wolves,tigers and dogs. She enjoyed reading her mystery novels and her Bible, often having her own mini Sunday Service while she got her meds ready for the week. She was a great listener and even better at being your ride or die. Once she loved you, there was nothing she wouldn't do for you and no one who couldn't get cursed out for messing with her babies.

Kathy passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023, surrounded by those she loved the most and who loved her unconditionally. She leaves her memory to be cherished and passed on by her daughter, LaKisha(Jesse), her sons, Antoine, Johnny(Ilda), Gino(Vicki), her grandchildren Trinity, Camarius, Kennedy, Felicity, Aria, Maiya, Sabrina, Sandra, John Jr., Annalise, John James, Nevaeh, Daisy, Anthony, Austin, Alexis, Evan, Josh, Madison, De'Juan, Kenneth, De'Monie, Kaycee and Ky'Sun, her goddaughters, Jennifer and Kimberly, 2 Great Grandchildren and many many wonderful family and friends. There will be a Memorial Celebration at 707 Howard St. Evanston, IL at 5 P.m. to celebrate the love, laughs and joy that this amazing woman brought to all of our lives. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director

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