Social worker, loved to travel
Kathleen “Kate” Sue Jesko, 75, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Dec. 22, 2019.
She was born Jan. 9, 1944 in Chicago to Paul and Anna Jesko. She completed her license as a social worker and dedicated her life to caring for others. She spent almost 30 years working at SHORE Community Services supporting individuals with developmental disabilities until her retirement in 2011.
As a young woman and a free spirit, Kate spent time traveling through Europe and the United States. She was especially fond of the English heritage and loved reading and collecting dolls and other memorabilia of the Tudor period of English kings and queens.
Kate’s purpose in life was always focused on caring for her family and community. She served as their moral compass through both the best of times and worst. Her mind was rarely still and she was always thinking of ways to make the life of other’s easier and happier. Kate’s expression of virtue, love, responsibility and balance may best be showcased through her favorite bird, the cardinal.
She is survived by her sons, Jason and Erik; her daughters-in-law, Kristin and Taryn; her grandchildren, Hunter, Brandon and Gillian; as well as her brothers, Robert and Alan, and her sister-in-law, Jan.
A visitation and memorial service were held Dec. 28, 2019 at Unity Temple.
Donations in her memory can be made to SHORE Community Services Inc., 8350 Laramie Ave, Skokie, 60077.
Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, Oak Park.
