Catherine Mary Berger

Catherine "Kay" Berger, 86, of LaGrange Highlands passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late James and Catherine (Farnan) Ellis. She grew up in St. Gabriel Parish where she married Tom, her cherished and beloved husband and best friend of 64 years. They were 44-year residents of Riverside, IL where Kay was heavily involved at St. Mary Parish and School. Kay taught math for one year but found her true calling as wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Proud member of her high school and college "clubs" from Mercy High School and St. Xavier College. Family always came first. In her presence, you were always welcomed and embraced. Loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; thirteen children: Cathy (Don) Josefik, Mary (Kevin) Syring, Tom (Cindy) Berger, Jim (Nancy) Berger, Michael (Terri) Berger, Peggy (Rick) Orabutt, Kevin (Pam) Berger, John (Kris) Berger, Jeanne (David) Witz, Stephen (Meg) Berger, David (Colleen) Berger, Anne (Greg) Deis, Daniel (Theresa) Berger; proud grandmother of 47, great-grandmother of 11 and fond aunt to many nieces and nephews. Survived also by her adoring baby sister and best friend, Margie King who thought of "Kite" as her guiding light and inspiration; sisters and brother-in-laws, Jim and Ellen Berger, Beth Berger, Queenie Berger, and Butch Iglinski. Preceded in death by her granddaughter, Carey Berger, and sisters and brother-in-laws, Jack King, Frank Berger, Joe Berger, Jack Berger, and Mary Kay Iglinski. Kay lived by two mottos: "Pray Hard, Work Hard, Play Hard" in that order, and "Love can make it easy, Perfect love can make it a joy." Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Monday 10:15 a.m. from the funeral home proceeding to St. John of the Cross Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to CMTA (Charcot Marie Tooth Association – www.cmtausa.org) appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Original Kuratko Family – Brian D. Kuratko, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.