Kathleen "Kathy" McDonnell

Kathleen "Kathy" McDonnell (nee Roche), age 83, of River Forest, passed away on November 16, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.

Beloved wife of the late Thomas J. McDonnell; and loving mother of John (Jaqueline), Trisha, and Jennifer (John Akalaitis); loving grandmother of Jack, Matthew, Elizabeth, and Jenna McDonnell; Emma, Lily, Josie, and John Akalaitis; sister of Mary Pat (Tony) Kulak, the late Peggy (James) Boyle, Patrick (Jan) Roche, the late John (Liane) Roche, Colette (the late Thomas) McGrath, Kevin (JoAnn) Roche, and Michael (Suzanne) Roche; beloved Aunt Kaki to over 40 nieces & nephews (G2s) and great Aunt to 58 G3s, as they were called in our family.

Kathy was the oldest of eight kids to Patrick & Kathleen Roche, then Grace Roche. She grew up on Chicago's West Side with the joys of Irish music and dance ever present in their home. She was a life-long supporter and President on the board of the Trinity Irish Dance School and then the Dance Company. Professionally, Kathy attended Siena High School and then to Oak Park Hospital Nursing School. She served as an R.N. at Cook County Hospital for many years. From there she moved onto the world of Democratic politics. She began working for U.S. Senator Alan Dixon and especially the late Illinois Senate President Philip J. Rock. She ended her long career as Chief of the Bridgeview Courthouse.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her 3 children and 8 grandchildren, passing down her traditions and love of family gatherings and celebrations. No occasion was too small to "pull out all the stops." She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make everyone feel special, down to the last bow. Her phone 'hotline' was always open, day or night she would answer and always had thoughtful advice. She always showed a genuine interest in everyone she came across. The highlight of her year for the past 25 years was the annual Roche trip to Wisconsin. She loved sitting back and watching all the generations laughing and continuing the lasting bonds that have kept the Roche family together all these years. Kathy will be missed dearly by everyone who's life she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls as well as Misericordia would be greatly appreciated.

Visitation 2 – 7pm on Sunday, November 23rd at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Guest are invited to meet the family for Funeral Mass at 11am on Monday, November 24th at St. John of the Cross Parish, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings. Interment to follow at Queen of the Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. For Service Info: 708-352-6500