Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Donnellan Funeral Home

10525 South Western Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

Kathleen Callaghan Obituary

Callaghan, Kathleen "Kathy" M. (nee Murphy) , 55 years, beloved wife and girl next door to Robert J. "Bob", loving mother and inspirational hero to Brian C.P.D. (Rochelle) Callaghan, Rob (Ellen) Callaghan, Colleen C.P.D. (Kenneth C.P.D.) Urbon, cherished grandmother of Brendan Urbon, devoted daughter of Dorothy Gannon and the late Frank Murphy, sister of Daniel (Kathy) Murphy, Maureen "Pudge" (the late Paul) Nitsche and the late Mary Margaret Murphy, sister-in-law of Mary (Jim) Nastali, Gerri (the late Jack) McCabe, Jim (Linda) Callaghan, John "Ace" (Pat) Callaghan and the late Jean (Jon) Greco, Patricia Callaghan and Thomas Callaghan, loving aunt of many nieces and nephews. Life long friend of Joyce Schultze, Susan Lombardo and countless others. Funeral Monday, 9 a.m., from Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western, to St. Cajetan Church, 11234 S. Artesian, for Mass at 10 a.m. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m., at Donnellan Funeral Home. Employee of Circuit Court of Cook County. In lieu of flowers, Kathy asks you to hug and kiss a friend or loved one. Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home Directors, 708-425-0500.

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

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jul. 12 to Jul. 13, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Callaghan

Sponsored by A Good Friend .

Not sure what to say?





Colleen, Kenny, and Your Favorite Little Cutie Pie Brendan

December 23, 2003

Mom~

Well, where do we begin...we miss you terribly!! It just isn't the same here without you. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. Your love of life and family is something that I will cherish forever, thank you for always being there for me when I needed you. We had so many good and extremly fun times together, whether we were out and about, or just hanging out at home- I will never ever forget those times and think of them daily. We miss your quick wit and your sense of humor, but most of all your love. We know that you were tired of being sick, and you fought the good fight and now are at peace with yourself. It doesn't make it any easier...but one good thing is that I know we will see you again someday! Your little cutie pie visits you often, and he hears stories about how wonderful his grandma is all the time. He will never forget spending the best 5 months of his little life with the best grandma that he could ever ask for. I tell him everyday that he is such a lucky little boy to have such a special angel to watch over him and to keep him safe. It's just not fair that you are not physically still here, but we all know that you are here with us in our hearts and will never leave us. We love you very very much mom, and miss you and think of you every minute of everyday!!! Love Always~ Col, Kenny, and Your Little Cutie Pie Brendan

Philip McCabe

July 22, 2003

Uncle Bob, Rob, Brian & Colleen,



My condolences to all of you. I wish there was more I could do at a time like this because I know all of you, and Aunt Kathy, were always there to help me out as I was growing up, and especially when dad passed away.



I will always hold the great memories of my summer trips back to Chicago, playing video games and pool in the basement, riding to get pizza and the summer I was 'grounded' with Marty.



Aunt Kathy is a wonderful example of strength, perseverance, Faith and, most of all, Love. Her Love will never end nor will our thoughts for her and you all.



Love,

Philip

Patrick, Amy, Brittany & Erin McCabe

July 18, 2003

To the Callaghan Family



Our sincere condolences to the entire family.



We will always have the fondest memories of Aunt Kath. Some of the most memorable for me; the little apartment, the Brookfield Zoo, the Palos Cantonese Restaurant and the Harlem Ave car accident, bike rides to Troy, the basement project and the re-siding!

And just this past weekend, we came across a door knob doll that had been missing for some time. Kathy gave the doll to Brittany during our 1992 vacation.



She showed us all what courage and faith are really about. The next time you think can't, think Kath!



We will miss her.

Bill McCabe

July 17, 2003

Uncle Bob, Brian, Rob and Colleen:

I'm terribly sad to hear about aunt Kathy. At the same time, it is comforting to know she is no longer in pain. She was so strong. I will always remember what a great aunt she was. I always felt at home when visiting the Callaghans. Although we are 1,200 miles away, I will miss her very much.

Tracy & Ken Hartz

July 17, 2003

Uncle Bob, Brian, Rochelle, Rob, Ellen, Colleen, Kenny & Brendan,

Its just been a week since Aunt Kathy passed away and not a moment has gone by that we haven't been thinking about her and all of you. Words simply cannot express how much we will miss not having her in our lives. Her quick wit and zest for life were infectious. We have so many great memories of Aunt Kathy, from sleepovers on Fairfield, to graduation parties, to Holiday gatherings, to picking Uncle Bob up at the train and of course playing 80s trivia (she was really good! Better than Uncle Bob!)

She was truly one of a kind ~ our favorite aunt.

With Love and Prayers,
Tracy & Ken

Michael McCabe

July 16, 2003

To the entire Callaghan family,
Our deepest condolences to you all on the loss of Aunt Kathy. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Mike, Jeanine and Lainey

Mary McCarthy

July 15, 2003

Sorry if my email appeared twice - i had to make a correction (Kathy and my dad were first cousins, not second)...apparently, the "edit" button didn't go through properly.
I apologize. Mary McCarthy

Mary McCarthy

July 15, 2003

Kathleen was my father's first cousin. I was very sad to see Kathy pass away. She suffered for a long time, but always reached out to people in need, even when she wasn't feeling well. She was a special woman, and I believe her spirit will remain forever in all of us. Love, Mary

Eileen & Bryan Burgoz

July 15, 2003

Uncle Bob, Brian, Rob and Colleen,

Words can not express what an inspiration Aunt Kathy was to all. May she find peace with Jesus in heaven.

“Although the sun will never shine the same
I'll always look to a brighter day
Lord, I know when I lay me down to sleep
You will always listen as I pray...

I know you're shining down on me from heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be together
One Sweet Day
Yes we will...
One Sweet Day!"

We Love You,
Eileen,Bryan and Family

Frank & Amy Nitsche

July 14, 2003

Brian, Rob, and family,
We are very sorry for the loss of your mother. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Lauren (Lettiere) Slade

July 13, 2003

Dear Bob and Family,
I'm sure that you don't remember me but Kathy and I were good friends in high school and beyond. I can remember that my husband, Greg and I came over after Kathy gave birth to to your first child. We lost touch then, we didn't have children right away, and you were lucky and having your family. I can remember seeing Kathy at Worth Township years later, at a game. It was good to see her after all those years. I really felt a tug at my heart when I read of Kathy's death. I am sorry that I was not able to personally extend my sympathy to you. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our Deepest Sympathy,

Lauren and Greg Slade

Mary Lou Kotrba

July 13, 2003

Dear Bob,

My Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your wife.

Love,

Mary Lou

Regina and Anna Knapp

July 12, 2003

We will never forget Kathy and her spirit of friendship and hospitality. She has certainly earned her wings and a favored place in heaven. Our love and friendship is with all the Callaghans. We are truly sorry for this terrible loss, but we also know that Kathy will always be with you.

Patti and Dan Stensrud

July 12, 2003

I am very sad to hear of the loss of Aunt Kathy. You are all in my prayers and thoughts everyday.

Love to all,
Patti ,Dan,Danielle,Paul

Mike Hopkins

July 12, 2003

I am saddened to hear of the loss of your mother(wife). I have many fond memories of her and your family. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Memorial Events
for Kathleen Callaghan

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Donnellan Funeral Home

10525 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643

How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Kathleen Callaghan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more