Kathleen Ann Jaszka, 93, died peacefully Nov. 7, 2023, in her home at The Birches in Clarendon Hills.
Often known as Kate or Kay, she was also known as Red for her beautiful red curly hair. Kate was born in Chicago on in 1930 to John and Bridget Cahill, the third child of seven. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Chicago, married at a young age and quickly became the mother of four boys. Infant son Peter died shortly after birth. She and her husband Joe raised their family in Elk Grove Village. After being a stay-at-home mother for many years, Kate started a job at the local school district offices in Elk Grove Village, honing her skills as a sharp and accurate bookkeeper. She worked there until her retirement.
Kate was a gracious lady, always polished in her appearance and speech. Kate loved to travel and went to England and Ireland numerous times. Her travels fueled her interest in English and Irish books and music. Kate was an avid reader, often finishing a book in a day — especially a good British detective story. Kate was known to her family as an amazing baker, and would crank out chocolate chip cookies by the dozens for her boys. Dessert was always her favorite course of any meal and she always had room for it.
After the loss of two more of her sons in 2013 and 2014, Kate moved from Elk Grove to Burr Ridge to be closer to her niece, Mary Bauer of Hinsdale, with whom she enjoyed a deeply bonded relationship. In her later years, Kate participated in many Bauer family gatherings, parties and outings.
Not only did Kate exhibit a sweetness, she was also fiery and resilient. She weathered many a storm in life with grace and dignity and taught all who knew her how to behave in adversity and sorrow. But it was Kate’s lifelong Catholic faith that enabled her to do so. It was Irish strong, a source of joy, comfort and peace. She was especially devoted to Blessed Mother and the Rosary. Her tender heart will always be remembered.
Kate is survived by her son Paul (Laarnie) Cahill; her grandchildren, Jason Jaszka and Jacqueline (John Saito) Jaszka; her great-grandchildren Oliver and Christopher Saito; her niece, Mary (Pat) Bauer; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, a great-great-niece and a great-great-nephew.
She was preceded in death by her children, Peter Jaszka, Joseph Jaszka and Steven Jaszka; her ex-husband, Joseph Jaszka; and her siblings, Dolores Eslinger, Daniel Cahill, Rev. John Cahill, Timothy Cahill, Richard Cahill and Patrick Cahill.
A funeral Mass was said Nov. 13 at St. Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale. Interment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.
Memorials may be sent to The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Development Office, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003-7991 or online at http://www.bvmsisters.org Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
