Mary Kathleen Egglesfield

Mary Kathleen Egglesfield, 75, of Olympia Fields, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 12, 2024, after fighting a tough battle with lung cancer. 

Kathleen was born September 16, 1948, in Ballyfermot, Dublin, Ireland. Kathleen‘s family moved from Ireland to Chicago, Illinois, when she was nine years old. She was raised with a strong Catholic upbringing, and her faith remained a priority her entire life. She attended St. Thomas the Apostle High School, and later, while raising her three children, she achieved her goal of graduating from college. After obtaining her bachelor's degree at Governor State University, she then pursued her master's in counseling and completed her degree at 51 years old. She served countless families in need as a social worker at Aunt Martha’s and as a counselor through her private practice. Kathleen was always a champion for the underdog. 

Kathleen married the love of her life, William (Bill) Egglesfield, on May 30, 1970. As Bill began his medical career in Farmington Hills, Michigan, the young couple started their family. Kathleen‘s greatest joy was being a stay-at-home mom raising their three children, Kerry, Colin, and Sean. Their family moved several times within the Detroit metro area before settling back in Chicago in 1983. No matter where they lived, Kathleen ensured the Egglesfield home had an open door to all. She and Bill were the ultimate hosts, entertaining large groups of friends and family on any holiday. Their guests were treated with lots of food, music, dancing, and laughter. She made Sunday dinners a priority. And Kathleen would drop anything and everything for a cup of tea and a chat. 

Kathleen was a proud Irish American. She loved traveling, especially back home to Ireland and to Cabo San Lucas, where she and Bill spent many vacations with family and friends. Kathleen was an active member of book clubs and Bible studies. She enjoyed studying history and following national politics. Her guilty pleasures: England’s royal family and reality TV. Blessed with seven active grandchildren, Kathleen became a sports fan, following their games and competitions. Known as “Irish Nana Love,” she was their biggest fan. One often heard her shouting “brilliant” from the sidelines and boasting with pride to anyone who would listen.

Those grateful for having shared in her life include daughter Kerry (Tom) Boetel, grandchildren Keira, Maeve, Nora, and Shay of Sioux Falls, SD; son Colin of Scottsdale, AZ; and son Sean (Tammy), grandchildren Megan, Tristan, and Brennan of Frankfort, IL; two sisters Philomena Piantek of Downers Grove, IL and Eileen Badder of Bloomington, IN; a brother Patrick Dineen of Crestwood, IL; her beloved nieces and nephews; and relatives and friends from around the world.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Sean, and her husband, Bill, on October 6, 2015.

We hope to continue Kathleen‘s passion for family, friends, and tradition. She truly was the heart and soul of our family. 

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Sunday, October 6th, 2024 from 4:00 PM until time of prayer service and video tribute at 6:30 PM. Funeral service, Monday, October 7th, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 7659 W Sauk Trail, Frankfort, IL 60423. Interment will be private.