Kathleen Elizabeth “Kathy” Rousseau

November 19, 1942 - October 5, 2020

Celebrations of Kathy’s life will be planned at later dates in Illinois and in Massachusetts.

In Kathy’s loving memory, contributions may be made to:

Plummer Youth Promise

37 Winter Island Rd.

Salem, MA, 01970

Kathleen Elizabeth “Kathy” Rousseau, nee O’Connor, age 77, of Skokie, IL, died on Monday, October 5, 2020. Born in Beverly, MA, on November 19, 1942, Kathy was the daughter of the late John J. and Theodora, nee Sylvester, O’Connor. She was the beloved mother of Karen L. (Clifford) Taylor of Salisbury, MA, Sharon M. (James) Brown of Marblehead, MA, and the late Richard G. (Jennifer B.) Rousseau of Skokie; cherished grandmother to Henry, Nicholas, Ella, and Will; dear sister of Maureen Donahue and John “Jack” O’Connor; she is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Kathy graduated from St. Jean’s High School in Lynn, MA, in 1960, where she was the color guard captain of the Jeannette’s Drum & Bugle Corps, and followed many DCI competitions throughout her life. She held many administrative and public relations positions in her career. She was also a waitress for many years at the Commodore in Beverly, MA, and Friendly’s in Peabody, MA. Most recently she held the position of Administrative Assistant for the past 15 years at National Louis University in the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership (MCECL) in Skokie. It was a position she loved. She was still working full time until her death. She was the “welcoming soul” and “heart of the McCormick Center, always so caring and concerned for everyone.” Many she worked with will say they were honored to work with her and that “she was the glue that held the McCormick Center together.”

Kathy’s greatest joy in life were her three children, and especially, her four grandchildren, and her life revolved around them. They were her pride and joy. She will be remembered by many as a “mom” on the Music Boosters and PTA, as she was very involved in their many high school band and theatrical activities, always sharing with friends and family her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and milestones. She had moved to Skokie to be close to her son, Rick’s, children – her grandchildren – and was a doting and loving “Nana,” cherished by each of them.

Celebrations of Kathy’s life will be planned at later dates in Illinois and in Massachusetts.

In Kathy’s loving memory, contributions may be made to Plummer Youth Promise, 37 Winter Island Rd., Salem, MA, 01970 (www.plummeryouthpromise.org).

We sincerely thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Funeral info: 847.673.6111.

Kathleen Elizabeth “Kathy” Rousseau, nee O’Connor, age 77, of Skokie, IL, died on Monday, October 5, 2020. Born in Beverly, MA, on November 19, 1942, Kathy was the daughter of the late John J. and Theodora, nee Sylvester, O’Connor. She was the beloved mother of Karen L. (Clifford) Taylor of Salisbury, MA, Sharon M. (James)Continue Reading

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I want all of you to know what a wonderful colleague Kathy was to me at the McCormick Center. While I worked at a distance from my home office in Oklahoma, the person that I always heard from regularly was Kathy. This included during my darkest days last year when both of my parents passed away, 3 months apart, and in hospice care. One at the hospital and then one at my home. Then, I endured a personal health crisis earlier this year only to have Kathy send me a sitting angel which sits on my desk to this day. I will miss her dearly and will never forget the light that she brought me over this past year and throughout the time we worked together. Prayers to all of you. With deepest sympathy, Jane Humphries (McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership)

Dear Karen - I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your mom. I wish you and your family peace and comfort. I see you in this beautiful picture of your mom. She's always with you.With sympathy, Jen

I was so sorry to hear about Mrs. Rousseau's passing. I know how special she was to you. Your memories will always keep her close to you. May God comfort you during this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy. Carol Peterson (Fairview South)

She was such a lovely person. My heart breaks for her family. She was the very best grandmother- always had time to sit and read with her grandkids and hear about their days. There is a special place in heaven for her.

My condolences to Kathy's family. She was the smiling face that greeted everyone, the encouragement to those that needed it, and a prayer warrior. Her spirit was sweet and caring. She was more organized than any big name organizers. And, she helped satisfy the sweet tooth of everyone that entered her work building. She and I had an on-going joke about her "ring the bell" sign on her counter. I always threatened to ring ring it, even when she was right there, if she had not taken it down yet. I never did ring it, but I loved to threaten I would. I will miss her bright smling face greeting me at work. But, I believe I will see her again, and I will recognize her smiling face and sweet spirit!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Kathy was such a sweet person to know and work with...she will be greatly missed. What a beautiful difference one single life made. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in perfect peace. In sympathy, Nancy

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.