Obituaries
Kathleen Boyle
February 6, 1952 - June 21, 2018
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VISITATION
July 1, 2018 | 3-5 P.M. - Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva
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Burial Location
Private
Obituary
On Thursday June 21, 2018, Summer Solstice, the world lost a summer child in Kathleen M. Boyle.
Kathleen M. Boyle (aka Kathy, Aunt Kathy, Kathy Boyle, Kate, Nana) was born in Evergreen Park, IL, to Helen McGlinn Boyle and James W. Boyle on February 6, 1952. She is survived by her daughter, Clare Van Wetering and her husband, Ryan Van Wetering and their two children Henry and George and by her four brothers, Tom (Gloria), Jay (Peg), Bill (Margie), and Bob (Peggy) and by their children, her nieces and nephews: Kelly, Ellen, Sam, Brittany, Vicky, Mike, Lydia, Lizzie, Casey, and Kevin.
Kathy was a family person – one might even say she was the hub – always looking for ways to gather the clan whether at picnics, or at the lakeside, or on a holiday and always supporting her daughter and her nieces and nephews in their endeavors. She was so proud of Clare and of her nieces and nephews in all their accomplishments. She would tell everyone about them. Her happiest place was with her grandsons, Henry and George, with whom she shared many giggles and fun times.
Kathy was a woman of the sun and the water. Her second happiest place was on her friends Russ and Pat Fahrner’s boat on Fox Lake. Water was her element. She thrived when on it or near it. Summer was her season – time for boating, eating outdoors, drinking prosecco, grilling, and getting sunburned because why not? She truly loved the season of growth and warmth.
Kathy was a raconteur – a consummate teller of stories about the Boyle clan. She was connected to her Irish roots and travelled 23 times to Ireland. Beyond her connection to the Irish spirit, she had an abiding interest in Irish archaeology and was embarking on a serious study of Irish archaeology at the time of her untimely death.
Kathy/Kate was an idea woman. She and her friend and colleague, Jenny Levine would throw a rubber brain in a game of catch when trying to generate ideas. She came up with creative and fun ideas and pushed her friends to celebrate holidays to the max. She found recipes for her cooking friends to make and places to have fun on a daily basis. Some of her ideas were over the top, but it never stopped her from considering them and sharing them with her friends and family.
Kathy was devoted to the libraries of Illinois, playing a major role in the development of sharing policies across the state and working for the SWAN Library Services as Member Services Manager. She had a strong belief in her work and in her staff and colleagues.Her work for Illinois libraries spanned 39 years. Everyone in the Illinois library community knew and respected Kate Boyle.
Kathy/Kate Boyle has left an immeasurable hole in her family and friends’ lives and we are grateful for the spirit and light she brought to us all while she was with us. We will always remember her.
Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, July 1st from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home 1771 W. State Street (Rte 38) Geneva. 630-232-7337
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the GBIS-CIPD Foundation
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Condolences
Nanette Wargo from Dyer, IN
"Kate was a joy to work with and a pleasure to talk with. Over the years, we shared a lot of great stories. I have beautiful memories of her laughter, her brilliance in all things library-related and her thoughtfulness. The library world has lost a kindred spirit."
Sarah Brown from Richton Park, IL
"My deepest sympathy in the passing of your Mother. May the memories of your time together overshadow this time of sadness and fill your heart with Joy. The Bless you and comfort you."
Ruth Faklis from ORLAND PARK, IL
"I'm so terribly sorry to hear of Kate's illness and passing. We worked together at Suburban Library System beginning in 1982 and served on the Staff Committee together. Our paths crossed numerous times due to library concerns and meetings. So many great memories and so much laughter. I will miss my Irish friend - God rest her soul and give her peace."
Mary Louise Boyle from Whitehouse Station , NJ
"As one of Kathy's innumerable cousins I also had the advantage of growing up with Kathy and her family in Beverly before they moved to Palos. Kathy always had a creative and adventurous spirit and will be missed by family and friends but we can take comfort knowing she is now updating her heavenly family with all the news of the family."
Teri Embrey from Berwyn, IL
"She was a visionary leader and friend to many. She will be truly missed."
Sheila Adams from Cntry Clb Hls, IL
"You and your family are in my prayers. She was one of the best."
Deborah Kalafut from Justice, IL
"Kate was a great person. I have known her for 21 years through the SWAN system. She was always of great help to me at the Bedford Park Public Library. I would always say I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a question. She of course would say no problem, glad to help you. Cannot say enough nice things about her, just to many to list. My condolences to the entire family."
Bedford Park Public Library from Bedford Park, IL
"Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Super dedicated person to have by our side when we had questions or needed help. A pleasure working with her. She will be greatly missed."
Messenger Public Library from North Aurora, IL
"The Library Board and Staff of the Messenger Library send our deepest condolences to the family of Kate Boyle. She was a strong advocate for libaries and literacy in the greater Chicago metro area. She will be missed!"
Semi M. Grady from Dyer, IN
"My deepest condolences to her daughter, family and friends. Working for Kate was an awesome experience. She made me laugh and made searching for information a gratifying art. I could sit for hours and listen to her brilliant stories, over the top ideas. Having lunch or celebrating a special occasion at work was fun and entertaining. There was never a dull moment. Her taste in music was off the charts, from ABBA's Dancing Queen, on a Friday morning, afternoon break or end of the work day send off; to Sergio Mendes, Brazil 66, Mas Que Nada, during Mardi Gras; to the classic Irish jig during the month of March. She inspired all who had a chance to listen and admire her library instruction. May she rest in peace."
Cicero Public Library from Cicero, IL
"We at the Cicero Public Library were stunned by the news of Kate's passing. She was such a dynamic part of the SWAN culture, always ready to help with a can-do attitude. Our sincerest condolences to the Boyle family and to her "family" at SWAN."
Melissa Gardner from Elk Grove Village, IL
"I am saddened by the loss of such a vibrant intelligent person. I had the pleasure of working with Kate during my time on the SWAN Board. We also enjoyed sharing the latest nail polish colors and she was the one who turned me on to my favorite; mood polish. I hope that her family and friends are comforted durring this difficult time in sharing happy memories."
Barb and Dick Post from 8220 w 119th St. Palos Park , IL
"One of our best and most vivacious friends for all times who will be deeply missed in our hearts forever but not in our thoughts. We will remember her in the corners of every Pub in Ireland or the Southside."
Peggy A Boyle from Ponte Vedra, FL
"There are some people who unfortunately you don’t realize how much they mean to you or the people around them until they are gone. Kathy was one of those people. She was always on the ready to help, plan and bring people together. She will truly be missed. My heart breaks for the Boyle Family."
Sandra Franklin from Atlanta, GA
"Prayers for the family and close friends."
George Boyle from Bloomington , IL
"I remember Kathy as a kind and cheerful person with a great sense of humor and positive energy. I feel lucky and blessed to have known her."
Jane Plass from Villa Park, IL
"Kate will be remembered by many for her work with SWAN libraries and her contributions to the Illinois library community. I'm so sorry for your loss. May time bring you peace."