Kathleen Ellen Zriny

1945 - 2025

Kathleen Ellen Zriny
Born: July 7, 1945 in Evanston, IL
Died: November 7, 2025 in McHenry, IL
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen Ellen Zriny on November 7, 2025, in McHenry, Illinois. Born on July 7, 1945, in Evanston, Illinois, Kathleen affectionately known as Kitty, was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of many throughout her 80 years.
Kitty spent over 30 years as a dedicated real estate agent in McHenry County, where her passion for helping others find their dream homes was matched only by her love for her family. Her grandchildren were a source of endless joy and pride, and she relished the time spent creating memories at the beach, whether playing in the sand or enjoying a sunset.
An avid knitter, bowler, with a love for gardening, Kitty filled her life with laughter, creativity, and community. A true book lover, she had an impressive collection of thousands of books and could often be found lost in a new story or sharing her favorites with friends and family.
Kitty is survived by her children: Cassandra (Keith) Wright, SJ (Jackie) Zriny II, Zabrina (Paul) Mihelic, and Johanna (Scott) Chesler-Williams; her grandchildren: Matigen Wright, Kyan Wright, Jackson Zriny, Mason Zriny, Avery Mihelic, Sophia Mihelic, Morgan Williams, Aiden Williams, Weston Chesler, Knox Chesler, and Vance Williams; her sister: Jackie Jesse; her brother-in-law: Chuck (Aimie) Tonyan; her sister-in-law: Patty Phelan; her nieces and nephews: Lester Jesse, Jonathan Tonyan, Trinity Tonyan, Danny Phelan, and Amanda Skipper; and her cousin: Sue Meyer. As well as many other loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Stephen J. Zriny Sr.; her parents: Jack and Betty (Althoff) Phelan; her brother: Michael Phelan; and her brother-in-law: Robert Zriny.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home in McHenry, IL. A continued Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home in McHenry, IL. A Prayer Service will begin at 12:00 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in McHenry, IL.
The family kindly invites all to join them in continuing the celebration of Kitty's life at 31 North, 217 N Front St, McHenry, IL 60050, following the burial for lunch at 2:00 PM.