Kathryn A. "Kay" Erlenborn

Kathryn Ann (Cunningham) Erlenborn lived a life of grace and died peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 27th, 2025, in Wheaton, IL. She is remembered by all as gracious, warm, kind, open, cheerful, generous, and faithful.

Kathryn (Kay) was born on January 22, 1936, in Seattle, Washington to Joseph Henry "Hank" and Yvonne (Goulet) Cunningham. She moved to Illinois with her family in 1943, attended Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst, IL, Class of 1953, and then graduated from Mt. Mary College with the Class of 1957.

Kay married James Erlenborn in 1959, and it was clear they would be partners for life. With unwavering love they raised their five children together in Glen Ellyn, where they lived in the same house for 56 years. Kay and Jim were longtime partners in bridge and spent hours together, working on bonsai trees, as active members of the Prairie State Bonsai Society. They have been devoted members of St. Petronille Parish where Kay sang in the church choir for as long as she could climb up to the choir loft. With Jim, Kay loved to learn, travel, read, and attend lectures, plays, concerts and classes - but her favorite thing of all was to gather her family at home.

She created a home that always felt warm and welcoming for family and guests. Kay was legendary for her home cooked meals, splendid brown lunch bags, and extraordinary snack cabinet. She was deeply and consistently dedicated to her family. Her love shined via timely tips for procrastinators, typing through the night, last minute drives, attending all recitals and sporting events, and wise advice over the years. With steadfast, continuous, generous love - she never let anyone down.

Kay spent her final days with Jim, enjoying the simple pleasures of (almost) daily chocolate milk and ice cream, sitting outside in the warm sun when possible, and frequent visits with her children.

She will be deeply missed by her husband Jim; her 5 children: Mark (Janet) of Naperville, IL, Susan (Sal Gutierrez) of Oak Park, IL, Steve of Lisle, IL, Neal of The Hague, Netherlands, Jeane (Pete Brown) of Petaluma, CA; 7 grandchildren: Claire Erlenborn, Zachary & Asha Erlenborn, Miko & Kobe Brown, Rebecca & Sonia Gutierrez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kay was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Joan, Marylou, and Jim.

Visitation begins at 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 05, 2025, at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL. Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 06, 2025, at St. Petronille Catholic Church, 420 Glenwood Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Mass can be attended via live stream starting at 12:00 pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/@saintpetronille9639/streams For more information on her arrangements please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kay's memory to St. Petronille Church, or to a local food pantry or homeless shelter. The best way we can all honor Kay is to share her warmth and generous spirit with others who may need a warm meal and a place to feel at home.