Katarina Ebert

Katarina (Kathy) Ebert, 83, passed away, February 27, 2026 with her son and caregiver Annie at her side. Katarina was born and raised in Bratislava, Slovakia with her beloved family and friends and educated as a PE teacher. In 1965, she started her own family chapter when she married Emil (passed in 2011). Soon after she immigrated to the Chicago, IL area with her husband and children Roman and Renee leaving her family - mother (Erna), father (Stefan) and siblings Helga (Tibor) and Stefan (Ludmila). She packed her sense of adventure and unyielding spirit into this next chapter of life.

She quickly began learning English, as upon her arrival to the USA the only English phrase she knew was "Tennis is a good game." She worked nights at Cenco Corporation as a keypunch operator and took care of her family by day, building a rich community of family and friends. In the early 70's she secured a job at Robert Bosch Corporation in Broadview, IL where she worked for over 20 years and was admired and loved by her many coworkers.

In 1995, she moved to Arizona as her son (Roman) and wife (Laura) wooed her with grandchildren. There, at 52, Kathy was determined to return to her passion in teaching. She studied to become a Montessori teacher securing her certification, proving achievement in education has no timeline. She taught for 16 years at 2 prominent schools, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori and Montessori Educare Academy. She cherished her time with her fellow educators and students. "Miss Kathy," as she was known, was adored by her students year after year. Sadly, in 2012 Alzheimers took her competency to continue in her professional passion. The positive impact on her students is still realized today as she continues to receive letters of appreciation and holiday cards.

Through her valued family at Bridgeway Community Church, she found love and friendship with her late partner Bill, building a beautiful relationship for over 10 years. In May of 2022, her Alzheimer's progressed to a state of greater need and she moved to Marigold Assisted Living. There, She was welcomed with love and kindness by a wonderful care team and devoted caregiver that brought her joy until her very last breath.

Throughout her years she valued people and maintained her adventurous spirit. She focused on fitness and sports, by enjoying many ski trips with family and friends. She loved to travel with her husband to exotic places, embrace the culture of European cities with her daughter and niece, visit her loving and missed family in Slovakia - always feeling welcome and at home there . She also enjoyed many family trips with her children and grandchildren throughout the United States.

She never stopped living life to the fullest and was dedicated to her family and most notably her grandchildren (and great grandchildren). She was a beloved grandmother dedicating time and creating adventurous memories with her grandchildren in Arizona, as well as her grandchildren in the Chicago area where she spent many summers making sure to imprint her values and love upon them all.

Everyone she met received her unending kindness and warm smile. She lived and loved without abandon and nurtured relationships with those she loved.

The family will be memorializing her privately and ask those wishing to express condolences consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Katarina's memory.

Katarina is survived by her children, Roman (Laura), Renee (Steve), sibling Helga (Tibor), grandchildren Jamie (Yuji), Elizabeth (Suzette), Matthew, Jessica, Andrew (Megan), Autumn Emilia and Steven and great grandchildren Brandon, Giovannie, Rain, Lucas, Julliet