Obituary of Kathleen A. Van Dyke
Kathleen A. Van Dyke, of Plainfield, IL, and North Redington Beach, FL, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL, with her devoted husband by her side.
Kathleen was born October 12, 1946 in Rockford, IL and moved to Rock Island at a young age. She was raised in Joliet, IL, was a graduate of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus Grade School and St. Francis Academy, and attended the College of St. Francis.
She began her career with Illinois Bell Telephone Company in Joliet, then served one and one-half years with AT&T in New York, before returning to Illinois Bell in Springfield. Kathy was then promoted to Director of Engineering and Switch Administration for Bellcore/Telcordia Technologies and was responsible for designing, developing and delivering switch specific training to regional companies including Lucent and other vendors. She was one of the first certified technical trainers in the organization. She was the Training Center’s representative for the Bell System Operating Company’s Engineering Design for Switch Administration. She was employed in the telecommunications industry for over 35 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy loved wintering in Florida where she enjoyed boating, meeting with her book club, and volunteering on numerous committees of the Yacht Club Home Owner’s Association. She was a member of The Club (Treasure Island Yacht and Tennis Club), a previous member of the Ave Maria Guild at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Seminole, FL., a charter member and past President of the Illinois Bell Volunteer Core, and a member of the Telephone Pioneers.
Kathy enjoyed attending all the school and sporting activities her grandchildren participated in. She always looked forward to when her son, daughter-in-law and grandkids would come vacation in Florida with her and Ron. One of her favorite holiday traditions was hosting their Christmas Eve celebration for family and friends, and when her grandchildren were younger, having them spend the night for New Year’s Eve playing games and watching movies together.
Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Ronald Van Dyke; her son, Ronald (Elizabeth) Van Dyke, Jr. of Plainfield; two grandchildren, Matthew Van Dyke and Katlyn Van Dyke, both of Plainfield; one sister, Mary Jo (Gerald) Murphy of St. Charles, IL; a sister-in-law, Patricia Van Dyke of Venice, FL.; and five nephews and one niece.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas E. and Mary (nee Pubentz) Williams; her husband’s parents, Omer and Evelyn Van Dyke; and brother-in-law, Raymond Van Dyke.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Kathleen A. Van Dyke will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue, Joliet, IL. Interment in Resurrection Mausoleum will be private.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ellen Gustafson (Joliet Oncology-Hematology Associates, Ltd.) for the exceptional care given to Kathleen over many years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Joliet Catholic Academy Innovation Research Center, in care of the JCA Development Office, 1200 N. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL 60535 would be appreciated.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
