Obituary of Rosann Kohler

Rosann F. Kohler (nee Fagan) Rosann Fagan, 91, passed away on June 10, 2015, at her residence in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She was the daughter of Elizabeth (Elsie) (Gallagher) and James R. Fagan, long-time residents of Joliet and Chicago. Rosann was born on Nov. 4, 1923, in Joliet, where she resided until moving to Naperville in 2000, and to Highlands Ranch in 2012 to be with her family. She was a devoted and cherished member of St. Raymond Nonnatus and St. Paul's in Joliet, and Our Lady of Mercy in Aurora. Rosann graduated from Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart High School in Lake Forest, IL, in 1941, and continued her education at Barat College in Lake Forest, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1945. She received her Master of Arts in Library Science degree from Rosary College in River Forest, IL, in 1953. Rosann possessed a relentless passion for learning through her career and entire life. She taught kindergarten for the Joliet School District, was the librarian for Lockport Township High School, and served as the learning resource director for the Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C from 1971 until she retired in 1985. Rosann was active in the Visitation and Aid Society in Joliet and an active supporter of the Joliet Area Community Hospice. Blessed with an indomitable positive Irish sprit and an unwavering Catholic faith, Rosann fully committed her life to her family. Whether spending time with her parents, sharing laughs with her sister or enjoying time with her children, Rosann always kept focus on the importance of family. During her retirement, Rosann thoroughly enjoyed traveling. Annual trips to Siesta Key, FL, were a highlight: walking on the beach, reading a novel and keeping an eye on the clock for happy hour. She traveled to Cypress and the Greek isles for a wedding with her devoted sister and best friend, Mariann, made several trips to Colorado to visit her sons James and Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Kathy, and grandchildren Brendan, Allie, and James. In 1996, Rosann and her sister took their families to Ireland on a trip that included visits to relatives in County Westmeath, and to Cobh, County Cork, from where Rosann's family originally departed for the United States. Continuing Rosann's legacy are her two children, James (Vickie) Kohler of Arvada, CO, and Jeffrey (Kathy) Kohler of Centennial, CO; her grandchildren, Brendan, Alexandra and James Kohler of Centennial, CO; dear niece Aimee (Dean) Bennett of Castle Rock, CO, and nephew John (Becky) Fitzgerald of St. Charles, IL; great-nephew Padraig Fitzgerald, and step-great niece Olivia Evers. Rosann joins her parents, Elsie (1974) and James (1983), and husband Frank Kohler (1974) in eternal life. A Memorial Mass celebrating Rosann's life will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Jude, 2212 McDonough Street, in Joliet, with Rev. Richard Ross officiating. Inurnment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will greet friends and family at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Go n-éirí on bóthar leat. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rosann's name to the Mariann Fagan Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund at the University of Notre Dame are greatly appreciated (Office of Development, University of Notre Dame, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or 574-631-7164). Arrangements by FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington), Joliet. For information: 815-741-5500 or visit her Book of Memories at www.fredcdames.com.