Kathleen Cannon (nee Kirby), 83, of Oak Park, died on June 6, 2024, finally at peace after a rough couple of years with health issues and dementia. Born to Thoris and Russell Kirby on Dec. 14, 1940, she was raised in Waukegan. She attended Northern Illinois University where she earned her teaching degree and fell for the sweet Thomas “Kim” Cannon. They wasted no time getting married, quickly followed by Kim going to the seminary, Kathy teaching, and having the five joys of their lives.
She was the quintessential preacher’s wife, spending Sundays at St. Andrew’s in Chicago, and making members feel like family. After staying home with the kids, she re-launched a career at the village of Oak Park in the Village Manager’s Office, then on to become a dedicated Law Department secretary, and eventually worked her way up to Deputy Village Clerk. She made lifelong friends at village hall and retired after more than two decades of outstanding service.
Even during her working years, she could be found outside obscenely early in the morning hours reading a book and drinking coffee, a ritual she picked up when her kids were teenagers, saying it was the only time they didn’t bother her.
After retirement, she didn’t know how she ever had time to work, busily volunteering, keeping fit, gardening (her passion), and meeting with friends. And everyone remembers the hundreds of cookies she made every Christmas. She loved her kids with every fiber of her being … until the grandkids came along. The holidays, the baking days, the walks in the garden, the trips to the living room “salon” that required three days of hair washing to remove whatever “product” she allowed them to put in her hair, and every day in between … she spoiled those kids rotten.
Kathy is predeceased by her parents; her brother, Donald; her sisters, Virginia and Sina; and her husband, Kim (joining him for their 61st wedding anniversary). She is survived by her kids, Dave (Sue), Pete, Tom (Michelle), Sarah (Jay), and Josh (Indalia); her grandkids, Jonathon, Jeremy, Alexa, and Mitch; her great-granddaughter, Tatum; as well as her special brother-in-law Jay, sister-in-law Judi, nieces, nephews, a slew of friends, and her cat Finnegan.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Christopher’s, 545 S. East Ave, Oak Park.
Because she loved flowers and helping those in need, in memory of Kathy, please consider planting something to beautify the area or donating your time or money to your favorite charity.