Kathleen M Carstens

While her passing came as a shock, she left this world exactly as she lived in it surrounded by love, laughter, and deep connection. Kitty Shannon was born on November 10, 1944, in Chicago, IL, she brought a vibrant, free-spirited energy to life and made sure no one was ever left out of the fun. For over 35 years, Kitty dedicated herself to helping others as a skilled and compassionate respiratory therapist at Palos Community Hospital. But her true legacy was built in the everyday moments in how she showed up for others, brightened a room with her smile, and never missed a chance to offer comfort, encouragement, or a good laugh.

Kitty loved life and all its little pleasures: dancing in the kitchen, creating beautiful artwork, laughing with friends, and doting on her cats. Her warmth, humor, and magnetic personality made her the heart of every gathering. She had a way of making everyone feel special, and her joyful, generous spirit lives on in the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband Gerry, and her devoted children: Patricia (George) Yurek, Christina (John) Lawler, Lisa (Jerry) Connors, and Ted (Allison) Ehrhardt. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Tom (Ning) Yurek, Joe Yurek, Kate Lawler, Jessica Lawler, Claire Connors, Jay Connors, Karsyn Foys, Bridgette Ehrhardt, Jack Ehrhardt, and Caroline Ehrhardt. Kitty is also survived by her dear sister Peggy (Tim) Spangler and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Jim & Irene Shannon as well as her loving sister and brother-in-law Barbara & Allen Grubba.

Kitty also treasured the loving relationships she shared with Gerry’s children: Andrea (John) McCarthy, Yvonne (Bob) Normoyle, Mark (Jeanine) Carstens, and Caryn (Matt) Haberkorn. She embraced them as her own, and the love flowed both ways. Their children, Kyle (Caitlin) Carstens, Jordan (Ashley) Carstens, Emily (Erik) McMillan, Lauren (Joe) Miller, Joe (Katie) Normoyle, Kevin McCarthy, Silas (Mariah) Haberkorn, Carys, Lincoln, Kajsa, Justus, and Jonas Haberkorn, Clark, Abigail, Wilder, Lydia and Levi Carstens, Tyler and Natalie Miller, and Wyatt and Remi Normoyle, brought her so much joy and pride.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home (4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453). A brief visitation will begin again at 9:00 AM on Monday, July 21, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church (10621 S. Kedvale, Oak Lawn, IL 60453).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause Kitty held close to her heart.

Kitty’s absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but her laughter, love, and the memories she created will live on, bright, bold, and unforgettable, just like her.