Kathleen Marian Garrigan

Kathleen "Kathy" Marian Garrigan, 24, died in a boating accident on Lake Harding, near Fairbanks, AK, on May 27. She had visited the lake on a campout over the Memorial Day weekend with co-workers, Liza Lomando and Travis Alexander. Kathy was in Alaska serving as an Americorps Volunteer working for the Tribal Civilian Community Corps (TCCC) training Native American youth to work on service projects involving the environment and the arts. A fourth generation Oak Parker, Kathy was born on Feb. 25, 1983 to Thomas and Marian Garrigan. She was welcomed into this world by three loving sisters, Marie, Elizabeth and Rosemary. Oak Park River Forest High School, class of 2001. J. Kyle Braid Leadership Award, 1999. St. Joseph's College, class of 2005. Kathy was a three sport athelete, named M.V.P. Oak Park Girls Basketball Tournament 1997. 4 year OPRF Softball, Basketball & Volleyball Player. Varsity Volleyball - St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, IN. Kathy gave back by volunteering and coaching Oak Park Windmills, Fenwick Freshman Girls Softball, 8th Grade Girls Basketball, Lady Bombers, Rensselaer, IN as well as special recreation teams. Kathy was a good friend to all. She shared her love of music with everyone. Nothing stopped her from belting out a song or dancing up a storm. Kathy was born with the gift of humor and she shared laughs easily. Kathy brightened every room she entered. Kathy is survived by her father and mother, Thomas and Marian, nee Brandstrader, Garrigan; her sisters, Marie (Dave) Schabow, Elizabeth (Dan) McNeilly and Rosemary (Brian Hepner) Garrigan; her grandparents, Thomas and Marie Garrigan of Oak Park; aunts and uncles, Fred (Marie) Brandstrader, William (Maria) Brandstrader, Elizabeth Luby, Rosemary O'Shea, Thomas (Amy) Brandstrader, Janet (Richard) Regis, Sara (Paul) McKenna, James (Cheryl) Brandstrader, John (Marianne) Garrigan, Kathleen (Richard) Klaus, Susan (Bruce) Bulmash and James (Stephanie) Garrigan; many loving first and second cousins in the area. She was blessed to be close to great-aunts Therese Golden Trankina and Nancy Ponsonby Chumbley. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Fred and Agnes Golden Brandstrader; her adoring uncles, Joseph Luby, William O'Shea and Stephen Brandstrader. Kathy leaves behind a new community formed in the aftermath of her accident. Her discovery was made possible by a concerted effort of many different Native American tribes, led by Chief Darryl Frank, Mento Tribe and Mike Smith of the TCC, civic and government offices, including Governors Palin of Alaska and Blagojevich of Illinois, U.S. Senator Stevens of Alaska and State Senator Kookesh of Juneau, rescue and recovery experts Gene and Sandra Ralston of Idaho and the Seth Foundation of Atlanta. Extensive fundraising by the Oak Park Community made the five week search for her and Travis Alexander possible and successful. Her family is eternally grateful for her recovery. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. Memorial Mass presided over by Fr. Larry McNally to follow at 11 a.m. at Ascension Church, 801 S. East Avenue, Oak Park, IL on Friday, July 13. For info, Gamboney & Son Funeral Directors, 708-420-5108. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 North Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660.