Kathryn "Kathy" Mary (Kaczmarek) Keith

Kathryn "Kathy" Keith (nee (Kaczmarek) age 56, left this world unexpectedly on August 16, 2023, with her husband and daughters by her side. Kathy was born on January 15, 1967, to the late Arthur and Mary Kaczmarek in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She was the youngest of three and their only daughter. She graduated from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in 1985, and followed that with an Associate's degree from Northern Illinois University. She dabbled in many professions throughout the years, but was primarily a legal secretary and assistant. Kathy was extremely active with the Relay for Life of Lake County and passionate about animal rescue, adopting several dogs and cats throughout her life and fostering kittens for the South Surburban Humane Society.

Kathy married Kevin Keith on July 22, 1989, and their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Kristina and Kayla. She was their biggest cheerleader throughout their lives, never missing a sports event, debate meet or any important event, and was heavily involved in all of their activities from kindergarten to college. Although she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2018, after an original diagnosis of breast cancer in 2013, Kathy did not let that define her life and continued to live life to the fullest. It would be wrong to say she lost her battle because she never once stopped fighting. No matter how she felt, she continued to be an avid gardener, an all-around lover of anything outdoors and a brilliant crafter. Kathy was the most proud and loving grandmother to her four grandsons, who she enjoyed spending as much time as possible with. She loved doing activities with them and always smothered them with kisses and the tightest hugs.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mary Kaczmarek.

She is survived and already deeply missed by her husband of 34 years, Kevin Keith; beloved daughters, Kristina (James) Madere and Kayla (Kyle) O'Connor; adored grandsons, Lukas Madere, Kody O'Connor, Myles Madere and Nolan Madere; dear older brothers, Richard (Cynthia Sarver) Kaczmarek and Robert Kaczmarek; sister of the heart, Nancy Spellman; 3 nephews, and many loving uncles, aunts, cousins and innumerable friends.

Per her request, Kathy was cremated, and her life will be celebrated on Monday August 28, 2023. Visitation 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. with Memorial Service 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408. A "JOYFUL" luncheon to follow services. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy's name are preferred to the Relay for Life of Lake County

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