Kathleen "Kathy" M. O'Malley

Kathleen ‘Kathy’ M. O’Malley (Modrak), age 82, of Crystal Lake passed away peacefully on Oct. 2 surrounded by her loving family after a long illness.

Born in East Chicago, Indiana, where she grew up and was trained as a licensed beautician, she met and fell in love with her future husband of 62 years Joseph O’Malley also of East Chicago.

Together they were blessed with four children Patrice, Pat, Mike, and Tim. They were raised principally in Pittsburgh, PA . after corporate transfers in the Midwest. They were overjoyed with the expansion of their family to include their loving daughters-in-law Kristen and Melissa, and their four amazing grandchildren, Jack, Amelia, Nick, and Dan. Kathy’s family was the heart of her life’s vocation and her true passion in being a mother, a grandmother, and a true friend to anyone who came through her kitchen door.

She was exceptionally proud of her grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to shower them with love. She enjoyed watching them grow into the young adults they are today and she took great pride in each of her relationships with them.

An avid gardener, she took joy and pride in her flower gardens, always tending to her roses and plants. When not gardening, Kathy loved the ocean and never missed an opportunity to host family vacations at the beach in Hilton Head, where she created special memories and celebrations for all. Kathy loved music. Neil Diamond was her favorite. Sweet Caroline and Song Sung Blue were a few of her favorites. While she enjoyed his concerts, her passion was cheering on her sons at soccer and football games and of course her favorite team – The Pittsburgh Steelers. She loved to travel and enjoyed special trips to Ireland and Italy, hot-air balloon rides in California, but her most cherished trips were always the ones where she visited her children and grandchildren.

Kathy’s unwavering commitment to put her family first is her greatest legacy and truest testimonial for her love, support, and success of her family. Kathy’s beautiful smile, quick wit ,outgoing spirit and loyalty to the ones she loved and knew will always be celebrated.

A visitation will be held on Thursday morning, October 8, from 9am until prayers at 9:30am at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  Mass will follow at 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  

Friends and family are encouraged to make a donation to The American Cancer Society , The American Heart Assoc. or any charitable organization of your choice in lieu of flowers.