Kathleen M. (Kirby) Cannon

Kathleen Cannon (nee Kirby), 83, of Oak Park, died on June 6th - finally at peace after a rough couple of years of health issues and dementia.

Born to Thoris & Russell Kirby on December 14, 1940, Kathy was raised in Waukegan, IL. She attended Northern Illinois University where she gained her teaching degree and fell for the sweet Thomas “Kim” Cannon. They wasted no time getting married, quickly followed by Kim going to Seminary, Kathy teaching, and having the 5 joys of their lives.

Kathy was the MOST amazing preacher’s wife, spending Sundays at St. Andrew’s in Chicago, and always making every member feel like family. After staying home with the kids, she re-launched a career at the Village of Oak Park in the Village Manager’s office, went on to become the most dedicated Law Department Secretary there ever was, and eventually worked her way up to Deputy Village Clerk. Kathy made lifelong friends at the Village and retired after more than two decades of outstanding service.

Even during her working years, Kathy could be found outside in the obscene morning hours reading a book and drinking coffee…a ritual she picked up when we were teenagers - she said it was the only time we didn’t bother her. (Did we mention she had a great sense of humor?) After retirement, Kathy said she didn’t know how she ever had time to work - she was busy volunteering, keeping fit, gardening (her passion), meeting with friends, and volunteering some more. And of course, everyone remembers the hundreds of cookies she made every Christmas. Everyone knew that Kathy loved her kids with every fiber of her being…until the grandkids came along. The holidays, the baking days, the walks in the garden, the trips to the living room “salon” that required 3 days of hair washing to remove whatever “product” she allowed to be put in her hair, and every day in between…she spoiled those kids ROTTEN. And no one would have it any other way.

Kathy is predeceased by her parents, brother Donald, sisters Virginia and Sina, and her beloved Kim (back with him just in time for their 61st wedding anniversary). She is survived by her kids Dave (Sue), Pete, Tom (Michelle), Sarah (Jay), and Josh (Indalia); those rotten grandkids Jonathon, Jeremy, Alexa, and Mitch; and final pride and joy, great-granddaughter Tatum, as well as special brother-in-law Jay, sister-in-law Judi, nieces, nephews, a SLEW of friends, and her cat Finnegan.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 27th at 11am at St. Christopher’s, 545 S. East Ave, Oak Park. Kathy loved flowers and helping those in need. In memory of Kathy, please consider planting something to beautify the area or donating your time or money to your favorite charity.

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