Obituary of Mary Kathleen Papesh

Mary Kathleen Papesh "Kathy" Born: March 10, 1950 Died: July 15, 2016 Kathy Papesh (nee Connor), age 66, passed away peacefully after a brief illness with her family by her side on July 15, 2016 at her home in Channahon. Kathy was born in Peoria, Illinois on March 10, 1950 to William and Eileen (nee Richardson) Connor. She graduated from Joliet Township High School, Class of 1967. She studied and became an x-ray technician at St. Joseph Hospital. She was initially employed at St. Joseph Hospital and continued to work at Joliet Medical Group and Glenwood Medical Group. She also worked part-time for Geotech, Inc. Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors. Kathy was a 28 year breast cancer survivor and a proud "Reach to Recovery" volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She volunteered at Willow Falls visiting with residents and organizing craft projects. She was also an active volunteer at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. She loved to play euchre with her friends in Shorewood Glen and Camelot Subdivisions. Kathy was also an avid bowler. She bowled with the Early Bird Bowlers at Town and Country for 30 years. Kathy always gave of herself. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and especially her grandchildren. Kathy appreciated the little things in life and loved taking pictures and sharing them with others. She enjoyed traveling and was blessed to have traveled to over 10 countries and 42 states throughout the U.S. Kathy married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Papesh on August 24, 1968. She was his true companion for almost 48 years. She was a devoted mother to son Bryan and Kim Papesh and son Chris and Missi Papesh; cherished grandmother of Jake, Alli, Olivia and Bailey; sister to John Connor; and a special friend to so many. Kathy truly knew no stranger. Kathy is preceded in death by her father, William Connor (1984); her mother Eileen Connor (2012); and her sister, Linda Dobbs (2007). Funeral services for Kathy Papesh will be held Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet to St. Mary Catholic Church, Minooka, for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For information please call (815) 741-5500.