Kathleen "Kate" Marie Rossi

Kate was born on March 14, 1951, in Wausau, WI, the daughter of Robert and Alice Menard Lemke. She married Terry Lee Rossi on May 12, 1973, in Wausau, WI. He preceded her in death on September 1, 2018.

Kate graduated from Newman High School, in Wausau, WI, in 1969. She worked as a chef, housekeeper, chauffeur, banker, nurse, counselor, teacher, or as some would call it, mom. Kate stated that one of her greatest accomplishments was surviving her youth. She often dedicated her time to the Springfield Theatre Center and the Hoogland Center for the Arts by both acting in and directing multiple productions. Kate loved theater, knitting, and reading, but her greatest joy was raising her children and helping to raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kate was cast in the role of a lifetime. She cartwheeled her way to heaven and stuck the landing. Ta-da!

She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bob Lemke; and sister, Barbara Boardman.

Kate is survived by her son, Dominic (Merideth) Rossi of Springfield; daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” (Johnnie) Furry of Springfield; grandchildren, Tahara (Brandon) Ihlenfeldt and Taylor Rossi, both of Springfield; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Beckham, and Ella; and brother, Ron (Cheryl) Lemke of Alpena, MI.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Rev. Jeff Grant officiating.

Graveside Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL 62704, or Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62701.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield.