Kathleen Ann Gillespie
Kathleen Ann Gillespie passed away, with family at her side, on Monday, June 21, 2021. She was born to James and Blanche Donahue on February 20,1936 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Catholic Services will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021. Mass will be at 11:00 am at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Western Springs, IL. Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings/live. Private interment will be at Assumption Cemetery, in Winfield, IL. Memorial donations in Kathleen’s name to the People’s Resource Center are appreciated (https://www.peoplesrc.org/donate/).
Cherished mother and loving wife, Kathleen lived her life with grace and humility. She was preceded in death by her husband James Robert Gillespie and her twin sister, Eileen Kelly and younger brother James Donahue.
During her early years of marriage she moved across the country as her husband’s career in Marine Dredging required. Together they traveled to Canada, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Oregon, New Jersey, and finally back to Glen Ellyn IL. She was happy after so many moves that all 5 of her children were able to graduate from the same High School, Benet Academy. She was the pillar of strength and faith to her children when her husband tragically died in an automobile accident in 1981.
She went to work at Servicemaster corporate headquarters in Downers Grove, and experienced the incredible changes in business word processing. Starting out as an assistant she continued on until becoming manager over all Administrative Support Services. She made lifelong friends and retired after 25 years. She enjoyed her volunteer work at St. Michael’s Church in Wheaton and at Central DuPage Hospital. She coordinated scholarships for students who applied through the CDH. She loved her home in Glen Ellyn Woods and then Adare Farms, Wheaton where she lived for many years. She was an avid bridge player, loved her cat (there were many), gardening, cooking, and music. Her home was always filled with joyful sounds of children, music and wonderful aromas of her cooking and baking skills.
Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her five children: Eileen (Tony) Hansen, James (Debra) Gillespie, Ann (Kevin) Garvin, Carolyn (Mark) Tobin, Patricia (Richard) Dudley.
Kathleen was also blessed with 13 grandchildren, who will miss her deeply: Daniel (Jenny) and Mae Rose (David Meyer) Gillespie; Patrick (Casey North), Haley (Michael Lewis), Thomas, and Shannon Garvin; Isabelle, Mac, Cate, and Kevin Tobin; Peyton, Christopher and Richie Dudley; and great-granddaughter, Lillian Gillespie. She never missed a birthday, and enjoyed attending their sporting events, concerts and plays. She was the special guest at every family gathering, nothing got started without Grandma Kathleen being present.
Over the past two years Kathleen was blessed with an extraordinary care-giver, Charity Deliva, whose kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.
God has called Kathleen home, and she is now at peace.
A Lovely tribute to a lovely woman. Our sincere sympathy to daughter Eileen and her family.
Julie, thank you for the kind words.
Hi to Eileen, Chris, Ann, Carolyn and Patty,
There are so many memories of you all over the years. Weddings Christmas cards and of course of your Mom and Dad. What I want to say is how much I loved my brother Jim, he was my go to brother when I needed an honest answer and then my sister-in-law Kathleen, who when she was pregnant with Eileen had to go to the doctor and on the way home got very sick in the car, she then told me I would have drive home. We did make it home in one piece. Thanks to the grace of God and your mothers help because I did not know how to drive.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and our love to all of you.
Aunt MaryAnn and Uncle John
Aunt Mary Ann- what a great story!!! I had forgotten all about that
Thanks so much for sharing it. Your humor reminds me so much of Grandpa and all the Gillespie’s
Love you guys!
Your Mom was a lovely lady. I always enjoyed speaking with her at family functions.
Rest In Peace Aunt Kathleen. ❤️
My sincerest condolences.
Bill Baltzer
Dear Carolyn,, & the Gillespie Family,
It is with heartfelt condolences that I remember your lovely & classy Mother, Kathleen.
Her kindness & thoughtfulness characterized her beautiful life & amazing family.
Cherish the memories as she remains Forever in your Heart.
With much love & many prayers,
Barbara Blair & Family
Aunt Kathleen was such a gracious, lovely lady, with one of the most beautiful smiles ever. We have so many great memories of our get-togethers with the Gillespie’s over the years, and Aunt Kathleen was always so welcoming and generous to the Kelly clan. It was always fun to watch Aunt Kathleen and our Mom (her twin) laugh and carry on like they were teenagers again. I like to think that they are together again now, doing just that. Aunt Kathleen is forever in our hearts.
Kathy and I were in a monthly bridge group for
for many years. Although we both loved cards, it was the fun of being together that we enjoyed the most. We chatted about families, world issues, and any
concerns. Then, we laughed and laughed again! Whatever was going on in my world always felt a little lighter and brighter after being with Kathy.
She was such a gift!
With heartfelt sympathy,
Paula Kavanaugh
Steve and I are grateful to learn of the fulfilled life Kathleen led. A testament to family. And to faith. Our sympathies to our friend Eileen, her family, and to all who knew and loved Kathleen.
Catherine+Steve Bartholow
Catherine and Steve, thank you so much for the lovely words.
This is a wonderful tribute. I never had the pleasure of meeting her. However I am friends with her daughter Patti and her family. I now know where Patti got her wonderful, kind and loving nature. Sorry for you loss
Love Bob and Lee Sottile.