Kathleen Martz-Betlinski

Beloved wife, aunt, sister, cousin, friend and mother of Joseph Michael, her stillborn son (6/12/1983), passed away on Monday, August 25th and returned to God for whom she was created.

Kathleen was a student of God in the Catholic church and touched many in the parishes of Holy Family (Inverness), St. Theresa (Palatine) and St. Anne (Barrington) as well as other parishes over the years. She was a Spiritual Director providing spiritual guidance having a certificate in spiritual direction. She was a member of Spiritual Directors International (ACTheals) and a member of the Association of Christian Therapists. She was a prolific reader of scripture and regularly continued her education in spiritual direction to deepen personal spirituality and theological understanding. She also felt a strong spiritual calling as a percussionist, playing in charismatic prayer groups for masses in many churches, especially healing masses and retreats over the years. In her younger years, she worked in human resources and sales for companies such as McDonald’s, Boeing and American Standard.

She grew up in Delaware County, PA; however, she had been a resident in Illinois for 45 + years with her husband, Michael E. Betlinski of 42 years (the love of her life) who passed away in 2022. She was a kind and generous aunt. She flew out east many times to provide support when there was a family member having a medical crisis. She also returned to the east coast for visits over the holidays.

When she was healthy, she enjoyed being the hostess to prayer groups and friends and decorating her home for the changing seasons and holidays. She greatly enjoyed talking to others and connecting in a personal way and wanted very much to help others, especially from a spiritual perspective.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kathleen’s name to: Project Hope 320 Franklin St. Barrington, IL 60010. https://www.stannebarrington.org/project-hope

A visitation for Kathleen will be held from 9:30am until the time of Mass at 10:30am on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela Street, Barrington, IL 60010. Interment to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, 1185 Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067. A single red rose may be brought as part of the ceremony.