Katherine Stebbins

1970 - 2024

Katherine Stebbins
Born: December 30, 1970 in Woodstock, IL
Died: August 28, 2024 in Woodstock, Il
Katherine Elizabeth Stebbins, born on December 30, 1970, in Woodstock, IL, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024, in Woodstock, IL, after a 7 month battle with Leomysarcoma cancer. A beacon of joy and love, Katherine's vivacious spirit and unwavering kindness touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
A proud graduate of Rolling Meadows High School, Class of 1989, Katherine's dedication to her education was only the beginning of her commitment to excellence. She carried this same dedication into her professional life, where she worked at Abbott Labs for 23 years, excelling up to senior project manager. Her professional achievements, though significant, were but a small reflection of the incredible person she was.
Beyond her professional life, Katherine's passions were wide and heartwarming. She found solace in the companionship of her beloved horses and the simple pleasure of horseback riding. Her love for live music often led her to local restaurants and bars where she would revel in the melodies that filled the air. A devoted and loving mother, Katherine's greatest joy was taking care of her family and enjoying life's precious moments together. Her favorite movies, such as "Forrest Gump" and "Phineas and Ferb," were often enjoyed in the company of her children, with whom she shared many laughs and lessons.
Katherine's spirit was one of humor and freedom. She loved animals dearly, especially her dogs Ryland and Max, and carried a free-spirited nature that was contagious to all around her. Her faith was strong, and she believed firmly in the power of God to watch over her family from heaven. Her favorite songs, including "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert, were reflective of her deep connection to family and home. She was the kind of person who would always guide and support her children, believing her love could manifest in countless ways, and that she would always be there, cheering them on from above.
Her peaceful place was either in the barn with her horses or snuggled up watching movies with her family. Katherine was the heart of every family gathering, hosting the traditional Christmas Eve party each year and ensuring that every birthday of her own was celebrated with Ginos East pizza.
Katherine is survived by her loving children, Cody Robert, Taylor Jessica Elizabeth, and Braydon Daniel Stebbins; her devoted parents, Robert and Donna Bollmann; her caring sister, Karen (Paul) Gardner; and her brother, Daniel Robert (Alana) Bollmann and many nieces and nephews. Each of these family members will carry forward her legacy of love, kindness, and spiritedness.
The words that best describe Katherine are loving, kind, and spirited. She lived her life with an open heart and a gentle hand, always ready to give and receive love in its purest form. Her presence was a gift, and though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those she left behind.
Katherine Elizabeth Stebbins was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to the power of love and the beauty of a spirit unbound by the world's constraints. As we bid her farewell, we take solace in the knowledge that her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. Katherine's journey on earth may have come to a close, but her story will continue to inspire and guide us, just as she always believed it would.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 9:00-11:30 am, followed by a Life Celebration service at 11:30 am at the Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles Miller Road, McHenry, IL.
For information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Katherine on her tribute wall.