Kathryn Lehman Obituary

Kathryn Lehman

Kathryn Louise Lehman, 84, of Swansea, Ill., died on Thursday, April 3, 2014.

She was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gronemeyer, Nov. 15, 1929, in Belleville, Ill. Kathryn graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1947. She married the late James August Lehman on Aug. 12, 1948, and lived together in Belleville and Swansea, Ill., where they raised their seven children.

Due to the premature death of her father, she and her younger sister, Doris, lived in foster homes and St. John's Orphanage. She learned how to care for herself and Doris as a young girl. Consequently, she always had a fondness in her heart for orphans.

Kathryn was a loving mother and a very, successful salesperson at the Famous & Barr store in Fairview Heights, Ill. Upon her retirement, she dedicated her life to caring for her children and grandchildren. She supported the educational pursuits of her children and appreciated their academic achievements.

Six of her seven children, James (Shereen Jegtvig), Cathy (Victor "Butch") Behrmann, John, Susan (Michael) Cannady, Linda (Curtis) Macke, and Joseph (Mary Buren) survive her. Her son, Dr. Thomas Patrick Lehman (Mary Bauer) preceded her in death. Kathryn also is survived by grandchildren; James Joseph Lehman II (Shanna Lapsley), Clement Lehman (Katie Bernard), Mericka Lehman (David Roybal), Kendall Lehman, Kathy Lynae Lehman-Huskamp (Chris), Brad Behrmann (Stacy Sieb), Brian Behrmann (Ashley Howard), Mary Behrmann (Joel Weber), Angela Cannady-Springer (Jeff), Adam Cannady (Erin Keefe), Andrew Cannady, Alison Cannady (Brink Naile), Chelsea Lehman (Joshua Reyes), Devon Macke, Ben Macke, Ashley Lehman (Kyle Mendoza), Michael Lehman, Shawn Lehman; and great-grandchildren; Ian Huskamp, Declan Huskamp, Caiden Behrmann, Brynn Behrmann, Kali Springer, Peyton Springer, Emma Cannady, and Bryley Mendoza.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to your favorite charity or Catholic Masses.

Funeral: A private memorial service will take place on Memorial Day.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pomerado News from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Lehman

5 Entries

Angie Springer

May 19, 2014

Grandma, These weeks have been filled with so many memories and emotions. Often times, resurfaced memories that had been long since forgotten. You blessed my childhood with love, laughter, and a bit of mischief. You were our chauffeur, shopping buddy, fishing companion, and friend. You taught me the value of living in the moment and that things don't always have to meet our image of perfection as long as they are done with love (and maybe even a little rebellion). I will be serving my girls grilled cheese and popsicles for breakfast more often... why... because you taught me that I can. In my adult life, you have displayed that selfless love of caring for others even when faced with your own struggles. You have shown me that we are all flawed and to just do the best with the life we have been given... that's what makes each of us special and unique. A piece of you lives in me and that is why I am the woman I am today. I'm forever grateful for your presence in my life. Even in death, you managed to give me the gift of peace and you continue to bring me comfort with little signs that you are still with us. May you be living joyfully now free of all physical and emotional pain with no regrets knowing you gave this life and the people in it everything you had to offer. Your legacy of generosity, compassion, and always supporting the underdog will live on in your future generations. Until we meet again... Angie

Susie Cannady

May 18, 2014

Mom ~ You have always been my guiding light. Your wisdom, actions & prayers have made me the woman I am today. Let your light Continue to shine brightly so I can always find my way. All my love and thanks for your selfless giving and love. Susie

May 14, 2014

My precious Mother,
You are finally pain free. Thank you for all your guidance and sacrifices,
so I could have so many opportunities in my childhood. You gave me six wonderful siblings. I also love you with all my heart and someday we'll all be together again.
Thank you Mom,
Cathy Ann

Steven Griffin

April 16, 2014

Mrs. Lehman was always very kind to me. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

April 12, 2014

My dearest Grandmother,
You finally made it over the rainbow. You impacted my life profoundly and I will treasure my time with you for all of eternity. One of the greatest honors of my life has been to be one of your grandchildren. I love you with all my heart and look forward to seeing you again.
Little Kathy

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