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Caitlin Bull Obituary


Bull, Caitlin Kemper Stand out under the sky some dark night, and the brightest thing you may see is a shooting star, a dazzling light that seems to come from nowhere and burns out far too soon, like the brief but beautiful life of daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend Caitlin Bull. Caitlin Kemper Bull, age 20, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her loving family August 13th after a valiant two year battle with a rare form of cancer. Born December 1, 1988 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Caitlin was raised in Morton Grove where she attended Park View Elementary and Niles West High School, and was a student at Northern IL Univ. at the time of her diagnosis. She was a rabid sports fan who knew all the players on all the teams. She was crazy about dogs from her earliest years. Born with a smile on her face, all her life she had a beauty, grace and wisdom beyond her years, facing challenges and demonstrating courage as a very young girl, so that when she confronted the ultimate challenge (still as a young girl), she was able to draw on those resources to sustain her and those around her. For even in the darkest days of her illness she was always concerned with others -- family, friends, medical staff - wanting to know how they were, what they were doing. She had an army of family and friends who were in her camp throughout her illness. She was dearly loved by all the medical doctors and nurses who assisted her in her courageous battle, never failing to show them respect and gratitude. Her Drs. Bruce Brockstein and Robert Fried described Caitlin as, "the most remarkable 20 year old they have ever met" and touchingly commented that if any of them had a magic card to play, it'd be for Caitlin. She was greatly admired for her spirit, determination and grace by all who were fortunate enough to know her. When a shooting star falls to earth it creates a crater. The bigger the star the bigger the crater. Caitlin's passing leaves a gigantic hole in the hearts of all who knew her, an emptiness that yearns for what was and what might have been. But while her path through their lives ended too soon, the glow she left behind will linger forever - in memories, in the hope of a reunion in some other world -- a world where they can once again see her smile, hear her laugh, hold her in their arms. She is survived by her mother, Julie Bull, her fathers, Richard Kemper and Keith Jackson, grandparents, Robert Bull, Connie and Anthony Jacobs, Jack and Peggy Kemper as well as a large and extended family of loving and devoted aunts, uncles and cousins and her beloved dog, Franky. Beautiful Caitlin's courageous and loving spirit has left deep, enduring footprints all over their hearts. A memorial service will be held at Heart of Mercy Misericordia at 6300 N. Ridge Ave. Chicago on Saturday, August 22nd at 1:00 p.m. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, the Caitlin Bull Foundation has been established to benefit cancer research, scholarships for cancer patients, aspiring musicians, and animal rescue. Contributions can be mailed to The Caitlin Bull Foundation, 7706 Madison St. River Forest, IL 60305. www.caitlinbullfoundation.org. Sign online guestbook at www.simkinsfuneralhome.com, (847) 965-2500.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Caitlin Bull

Not sure what to say?





November 24, 2009

Julie and the Bull family,

I hope you are remembering all the wonderful memories created by Caitlin.

Jim Hailey & family

Kristin Kahn Fine

August 25, 2009

Dear Julie and Family,
As Caitlin's first grade teacher, I vividly remember Caitlin's infectious smile, her bubbly personality, and her occasionally slightly devious, though adorable antics. (I still envision her sitting on the story rug in her little black spandex one piece holding hands with the boy next to her)
I am so incredibly and terribly sad to hear of Caitlin's passing. I had no idea of the terrible ordeal she and your family had been fighting. I'm sorry I wasn't able to let her know how much I enjoyed being her teacher and knowing her when she was young.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and Caitlin will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Sandra Henoch

August 25, 2009

Caitlin's sense of style and grace were admired by all of us. We shared a memorable weekend together and I will never forget that she referred to my generation as aging hippies! Sad, but true.

May your spirit and smile always be a part of us.

alana coppola

August 23, 2009

My daughter Stephanie attended northern with your daughter. Our hearts are heavy for your loss. Misericordia is a serene and peaceful place to have a service. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with many of the residents that live there and it is a magical place to be. I adopt my pets from the humane society that have brought so much peace to our lives. One day, one step, one breath at a time god bless your family and friends. Stephanie Coppola and her mom

Gil Gettes

August 23, 2009

To our Darling Caitlin and Family,
Caitlin is one of our "other" daughters. Sandy and Gracie and the close circle of Girls that always had the sleepovers here at our place in Morton Grove. We will forever hold her in our hearts,and never forget her warm
smile and wit. She truly was the "Star"! of the gallery of Girls.
They were " Star", Swift and Stick,Siren and Smiley,Stretch and Sunny and others who had the best of times at our humble abode. Cheryl and I had the privilege of seeing all of "OUR" Girls grow up here at the Kool-aid house.
We could never ask for a better bunch of kids to tear up our house!
I'll never forget Caitlins talent and common sense. Smart as a whip,and quick with the wit!
We'll miss her terribly, but I'm sure she will alway's carry on in our hearts as she carried on in life!
God Bless All in Caitlins Name!
"Mr. Gettes"
Gil

August 22, 2009

I was very sadden to hear that Caitlin had passed away. I work at Niles West, and Caitlin would sometimes come to me in the Attendance Office. I remember her as being a nice young lady, always with a big smile on her face.

May God, give you, her family, the strength to endure these difficult days ahead, and may Cailtin's memory be forever eternal.

Sincerely,

Harriet A. Poulos
Niles West High School

August 22, 2009

Caitlin,
I am so sorry we never met.
You have something far greater than most- something God given powerful and ethereal. You have taught, inspired and touched so many, myself included. God bless you for all you have given us. Your insight, grace and strength will never be forgotten. Peace.

Garbett Family

August 22, 2009

Caitlin,

Thank you for bringing us closer as a family. We know you are with those who love you, even now. May your life continue to knit our hearts together.

We love and miss you,

Amber Robinson

August 22, 2009

I didn't know this beautiful young lady. I read the funeral notice in the Sun-times a few days ago, and it touched my heart so deeply that I've returned to this page each day to read the tributes.

May the family of beautiful Caitlin find peace in the fact that she made the world a better place for those whose lives she touched. God Bless each and every one of you.

August 22, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at the passing of Caitlin. The tribute to her is beautifully written. I did not know her but as an Alpha Sigma Alpha sister, I know she will be missed. God bless.

Brenda Mesalam, Indpls., Indiana
XX

Alicia West

August 22, 2009

It was a pleasure to have gotten to know Caitlin, she showed me what true strength looked like day after day. She is truly an angel that was taken so soon. I will miss her bright shinning smile. May your memories of her stay with you always.

Paulita caraballo

August 21, 2009

My family and I extend our deepest condolences to you and Keith especially through the days that follow. No parent should have to go through this.

Debbie Reed

August 21, 2009

I didn't know Caitlin but when I read the beautiful tribute to her in the paper I felt like I did.

For those that knew her you were so lucky she graced your life.

God Bless...

August 21, 2009

I graduated with Caitlin at West. We had a few classes here and there together. The one thing I always remembered was her willingness to always help me out when I got stuck on a problem or didn't get what the teacher was saying. Even though I didn't know her as well as others I knew enough to know the world lost someone special. My condolences to her family and to the friends we share.

Stacey Bogumil

August 21, 2009

My deepest condolences to Caitlin's family. I didn't know Caitlin, but I am her sister in Alpha Sigma Alpha. The tribute to Caitlin is just beautiful - as I read through my tears, I learned what a remarkable young woman she was. May your happy memories with Caitlin comfort you now that she has been called home to God. My prayers are with you.

TJ & Alane Swiderski

August 21, 2009

You are in our prayers and thoughts. You were always so strong and determined, and never without a smile.

Claire Peterson

August 21, 2009

Cait -- From the time you were a little girl you sang your own song and danced to your own music. It carried all of us through the darkest times, and even now that you are gone we hear the echoes and feel your spirit. You will always be with us. Auntie-O

Remi Martineau

August 21, 2009

Caitlin, I am thinking back to when we were all kids....Even then you were always beautiful, soft spoken, gentle, sweet and most importantly...courageous.

The light you brought to this world and all of those you touched will never fade, see you in the next one darling.

Love,
Remi

The Allen Family

August 21, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Reni Blue Spruce

August 21, 2009

I know of Caitlin more than i knew Caitlin, but even if you didn't know this beautiful young woman, you can't help but be touched by her glorious spirit & zest for life. I last saw her at a tailgate before a Northern football game that I attended with my older daughter, Caitlin's friend & sorority sister. My younger daughter shares the same birthday as Caitlin so I will always sing to Caitlin a very happy birthday to her bright star in the sky every Dec. 1st.

Always a Beauty

August 20, 2009

Caitlin...her life is a gift...

August 20, 2009

August 20, 2009

Caitlin,
I only know of you. My son always talked about you and your special relationship with his boss. My love to those who love you.

August 20, 2009

I never met Caitlin before but I saw the obituary in the newspaper and my heart just breaks for her and her family. I too lost my 19 year old son Brad on August 5th to cancer. Losing a child is the worst thing that a parent can ever go through. Our children fought this awful disease with such courage. May we find the strength to face each day until we reunite with them in heaven. Please except my condolences.
Rosemarie Remus (Hawthorn Woods, ILL)

Tina Dalton

August 20, 2009

I used to teach at Gertrude Nielsen Childcare, I am so very sorry. You are all in my prayers.

Tina Dalton

Eric Wallengren

August 20, 2009

Caitlin,

You were always in out hearts and prayers throughout your battle. Mom (Auntie-O) said that Grandpa received a beautiful gift on his birthday in your spirit.

I wish you could have gotten to know some of your cousins out west, especially Greta who always loved getting clothes from you and Morgan.

You were beautiful like your mother, and you will be missed by all of us.

Cherish the time you spend with your loved ones, always...

Whitaker

August 20, 2009

All of the William Whitaker family extend our love to every family member, and pray for your peace and comfort during this time of celebration of Caitlin's valiant and beautiful life.

Laurie

August 20, 2009

Caitlin was a dear friend of mine. This obituary is perfect in every word of its description of Caitlin. She is my guardian angel, my hero, and my inspiration.

Going to Cubs games will never be the same anymore. I love you and miss you, and I hope one day I will see you in heaven.

Love always,
Laurie

Marty

August 20, 2009

My heart goes out to her family and friends. The Good Lord has welcomed a beautiful Angel. This is the most compelling Obit. I have ever read. May God Bless.

Jennifer Minelli

August 20, 2009

Caitlin will live in my heart always as a smiling, spirited, and beautiful girl who graced our lives for a brief moment. I will keep her family in my prayers.

August 20, 2009

Scanning the obituraries today I couldn't help being drawn to that beautiful face. And a beautfully written obit; I couldn't stop reading it through my tears. A Mom, (IL)

Pat Murray

August 20, 2009

I never had the chance to meet Caitlin, but I immediately recognized her mother's smile in that beautiful Sun-Times photo. I used to work with Julie at Schwarz Paper Company. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Kara Allen

August 20, 2009

I am very sad to hear about the loss of Caitlin. I always enjoyed seeing Caitlin's beautiful smile here at the Kellogg Center. Her spirit shined through even when I knew she was having a tough time. Your love and caring that I witnissed was inspiring. She will be truly missed.

Rick Parker

August 20, 2009

May the fond memories of the great times you have together carry you and your family through this extraordinarily difficult time. Her courage is an inspiration. My thoughts are with with you always.

Tiffany & J.R. Van Houghton

August 20, 2009

Dear Keith and family,
We would like to extend our deepest condolences. Caitlin was a strong, beautiful and loving young lady. Even though I only met Caitlin shortly after her diagnosis, it didn't take long to see what an exceptional young lady she was. Even during her hardest and most trying times Caitlin always held her head up with such dignity. I can remember the first time I met Caitlin, and I was telling the two of you how much fun my boys have shooting pucks at Gunzos. Caitlin smiled and giggled. Then every night when I would head to work,no matter how sick she was feeling. She would always ask if he scored any goals tonight? My son would always get so excited when he heard she asked about him.

When my son heard the news of Caitlin's passing, he said he wants his first goal of this season to be for Caitlin. So, please know that our family has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless Caitlin and your family.

Michelle

August 20, 2009

I did not know Caitlin, however she sounds like someone who was truly remarkable. This obit was very beautiful and portrays an amazing woman with courage, strength and love in her heart. May God bless her loved ones and may her memory remain in your hearts forever.

Denise Pearl

August 20, 2009

Caitlin, I remember your smile so well, your little girl giggles and grins. over the years you had turned into a beautiful young lady. Sorry we fell out of touch, we never forgot about you, we always thought of you and your mom. we are so sad that you had to endure sickness and that you were taken so young.

Rest in Peace now and know you were loved.

Simkins Funeral Home

August 20, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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