Kathleen "Zilly" Anne Dowd Gay

Kathleen Anne Dowd Gay left this world on the morning of December 9, 2025, surrounded by love, prayer, and profound gratitude. She was as beautiful on the day she left us as she had been on every day of her remarkable life.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Kathleen spent her youth exploring far and wide—graduating high school in Hawaii and later earning her college degree in Miami, Florida, the city she proudly called home for most of her adult years. A woman of many passions, she was an avid reader, a gifted artist, singer, writer, and a formidable opponent in any game of Trivial Pursuit. She loved spending time with her husband, Bob, whether relaxing on weekends in the Florida Keys or traveling across the country on long, cherished RV adventures. In her later years she loved a trip to the TJ Maxx with her daughter more than anything…and a good Diet Coke.

Her beloved nickname, “Zilly”—short for Godzilla—was earned when she unintentionally stomped through a board game her daughter and a friend were playing. Though Zilly could indeed be a lovable menace, she had a rare gift for lighting up every room she entered. She carried a sharp wit, a deep intellect, and bright blue eyes that sparkled with mischief and warmth. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and loved going to the local Irish shop. Her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved her. She was loved to the moon and back—and always will be.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Karen-Elaine Monteagudo (I Love You more than my luggage); daughters Kimberly and Kristine Gutzler; sisters Barby, Karen, Tina and Donna; and her brother, Michael Dowd. She joins in eternal rest her husband, Robert Jerome Gay, Ph.D.; her parents, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Lawrence V. Dowd Jr. of Boston and Florence Veronica Lacey of New York City; and her siblings Flowie and Larry.

To borrow the words of the Dropkick Murphys—words that echo her strength, her pride, and the love she leaves behind:

“You'll always be there with me

Even if you're gone

You'll always have my love

Our memory will live on.”

There will be a celebration of life for Kathleen at 5pm on Sunday, December 21 at The Irish Mill in Mundelein.