Kathy Marie Udell

Kathy was born February 11, 1952 in Nashville, Tennessee to Frank and Ann Michalesko. She attended Chicago schools, including St. Gregory Grammar School and Nicholas Senn High School, and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Roosevelt University. During her nursing career, she worked in a variety of roles, such as labor & delivery, home health, and most recently was employed by United Healthcare, retiring in March, 2022.

Kathy married Steven R. Rizzo in 1983, and together they raised their son, Raymond, who was the light of her life. After reconnecting, she began dating William (Bill) Udell, and they were married on a Key West beach in 2009.

While Ray was young, Kathy was a leader of his Boy Scout troop. She served in the Promiseland children's ministry at Willow Creek Community Church and was a Past Associate Conductress of the Order of the Eastern Star. She recently became a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Kathy was an avid animal lover, once having two dogs and four cats at one time, and supported the Fabulous Flying Circus Corgis of Woodstock, Illinois. She was a loyal Green Bay Packer fan, and not long ago, was thrilled to be able to take a grand tour of Lambeau Field.

Kathy had a boisterous and infectious laugh, could talk your ear off, and could not leave the house without her matching jewelry. She enjoyed going on cruises and 4 years ago, she and Bill moved to Arizona to escape the harsh Chicago winters, where she fell in love with the sunshine and mountains.

Kathy will be greatly missed by her family and friends, especially her husband, Bill, her son, Ray, and her stepson Stephen, as well as her sisters Martha Hilchey, Barbara (Brad) Johnson, and Theresa (Vince) Hart, her brothers Ken (Barbara) and Frank Michalesko, many nieces and nephews, and her dog, Teddy and cat, Mag.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Mark, and her first husband, Steven.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 12PM at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, Arizona. The family welcomes memorial donations to any animal charity of your choice rather than flowers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Udell family.