Kathleen A. Smith

Kathleen Ann Smith, age 76, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023 peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Kathy graduated from Lockport High School. She was united in marriage to Larry Smith on June 8, 1974 and they lived many happy and fun filled years together until his passing. Kathy was employed as a systems analyst for Ameritech Services – Chicago and retired December 31, 1996. In her teenage years Kathy worked for the Joliet Arsenal. She loved to share stories about her time there with her family and friends. After her retirement from February 1996- February 2007. Kathy served with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, the Kendall County Emergency Management, and Auxiliary Unit.  She loved to tell stories about her time spent on ride-a-longs as well as weather spotting.  Kathy was involved in many social groups including Knit and Crochet, Old Bags for New Life, Project Linus, and crocheting lap robes and blankets for hospitals and nursing homes.  She was a gifted crocheter and loved to share her talents with others through gifts of afghans. Kathy also had a true love for the gameshows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Also, her favorite pastime on Saturday’s and Sunday’s was watching college and professional football. Her favorite team was Da Bears.

Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, David Chapman (Fiancee Cortney Morris) of Colorado Springs, Co; brothers, Don (Cindy) Neal of Des Plaines, IL, and Bill Neal of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren, Justin (Christy) Chapman and Sara Chapman, both of Hebron, MD. Kathy was loved by numerous nephews and nieces. She loved her family dearly and had special bonds with her entire family.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Catherine Neal; step-mother, Janet Neal and her husband, Larry Smith.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Edward’s and Christ Episcopal Church -Christ Campus, 2800 Grove Rd., Joliet, IL, formerly 10422 Grove Road, Yorkville, IL.

Friends may visit from 1:00PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 West South Street, Plano, IL.

In lieu of flowers we encourage you to buy a bouquet, even for someone you don’t know to spread the love and kindness we remember Kathy for.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or 630-552-7211.