It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen Mary Kuroski (nee Rohen), age 75, of Elgin, Illinois, who passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, with her loving family at her bedside. Kathleen was born on December 31, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, the oldest daughter of William & Genevieve Rohen (nee Scotillo). She grew up in Melrose Park and attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and Trinity High School in River Forest, Illinois. She then graduated early from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago from the Teacher’s Program. She went on to work as an elementary school teacher until this very year, where she was known by all for her dedication to education, love of young children and for her profound joy for reading. She taught for 17 years at Immaculate Conception Catholic elementary school in Chicago, Illinois. After moving to Elgin, IL in 2010, she began substitute teaching daily at the primary public schools in District U-46, which includes Elgin and several other surrounding suburbs. Kathleen met Thomas Kuroski in 1969 and fell in love immediately. They soon married in 1971, and together they shared almost 54 years of marriage. They built a loving home and family that includes three children, Alyson R. Kuroski-Mazzei of Charlotte, North Carolina; Kara M. Heydecker of Algonquin, Illinois; and Kristen M. Kuroski of Los Angeles, California. She was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother (Meme), sister, and aunt leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth. Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of almost 54 years, Thomas Kuroski (Retired CPD); children, Dr. Alyson (Paul Mazzei) Kuroski-Mazzei, Kara (Ben) Heydecker, and Kristen (Brett Barrett) Kuroski, Esq.; grandchildren, Anthony Mazzei, Nicholas Mazzei, Olivia Heydecker; beloved sister of Patricia (John) Ferrentino, Darlene (Joseph) Calabrese and William Rohen; aunt to cherished nieces and nephews, John (Samantha) Ferrentino, Esq., Jacqueline Ferrentino and Dr. Mary Elizabeth (Dr. Marc Rodriguez) Calabrese. She is preceded in death by parents William and Genevieve Rohen and in-laws Norbert and Helen Kuroski. Kathleen was known for her voracious reading and spending hours looking through her 38,000 digital photos, shopping for everyone but herself and sharing her favorite pictures, memes and recipes with family and friends. There was nothing more that brought joy to Kathleen than spending quality time with her grandchildren - baking cookies & cakes, playing cards/games and taking them to Santa’s Village. She loved shopping for a variety of small gifts that she would pack in large boxes and ship to her out of state children and grandchildren for every birthday and special holiday. She equally enjoyed shopping for her granddaughter and daughter who live in Algonquin, IL. Additionally, she loved traveling with her husband and family to Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, California, Mexico, Oahu, Italy and, most recently, Maui for her 75
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birthday. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her dearly. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27
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from 3-8pm at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 W Lawrence, Norridge, IL. Family and friends are asked to meet on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church, 7211 W Talcott, Chicago, IL Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M.. Entombment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine, IL. All who knew and loved Kathleen, and her family, are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Kathleen’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in her memory.
Live stream link below.
www.twitch.tv/icchicago or or icchicago.org