Obituary of Kitty Softcheck

Kitty Kilgallen Softcheck At rest peacefully Friday, February 29, 2008, on the birthday of her first born, at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, following a courageous battle with open heart surgery and a valiant struggle with post operative complications from a second surgery. Born in Chicago to the late James F. and Mary (Nee Gavin) Kilgallen of County Mayo, Ireland. A resident of Joliet since 1953. Graduate of Longwood Academy, class of 1940 and attended Mt. St. Mary College, Milwaukee, WI. Kitty was well known for her passion and knowledge of antiques and collectables. She was also crowned the first queen of Chicago Southtown St. Patrick's Day Parade. She was renowned for her coloratura soprano voice. First place winner of the Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour on Chicago radio. Member of the Joliet Chamber Music Society. Surviving is her loving husband of 60+ years, John E. Softcheck of Joliet. Devoted mother of Mary Kay Blake, Joanne Softcheck, John J. (Karen) Softcheck, Barbara (Alan) Kaplan, Dan (Mary Sue) Softcheck, her twins, Jeanne (Jose) Diaz and Jane Softcheck who passed away in infancy, Tom "Softy" Softcheck, Richard Roque Softcheck, Margaret "Mimi" (Scott) Mawson and Brian Boru (Diana) Softcheck; dearest grandmother of 15 and great grandmother of one. Numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews also survive. Preceded in death by her siblings, Tom, Frank, Joe Elwood and Mary Kilgallen. Funeral services for Kitty Kilgallen Softcheck will be Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In consideration of Kitty's loving, generous and outgoing spirit to all she met, an act of kindness to a friend or stranger in her memory would be greatly appreciated. Visitation Tuesday, 12 noon - 8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com