Date of Birth
Mar 28,1941
Date of Death
Feb 13,2016
Kathleen “Kathy” Parish, age 74, of Belvidere, IL, formerly of Aurora, IL, Lake Geneva, WI, as well as Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Swedish American Heart Hospital, Rockford, IL.
She was born March 28, 1941, in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Paul and Jenny (Steging) Becker.
Kathy grew up on the east side of Aurora and attended local schools including East Aurora High School.
Kathy was blessed to find her soul mate early in life, in fact she married her high school sweetheart, Don Parish on November 2, 1957.
They began their new life together in Aurora for 65 years raising a family and watching their community grow. After the kids were grown with children of their own, Kathy and Don moved Mesa, AZ, but spent summers in Lake Geneva. After nine years of memories, Kathy and Don moved to Belvidere, IL.
Although Kathy didn’t have a job outside the home, she dedicated her heart and soul (and many grey hairs as a result) to her family.
Kathy was member of the Turner Club in Aurora for many years.
Kathy and Don cherished the time they spent in Lake Geneva, but that came in a distant second to the love she had for her family. She never met a stranger, often going out of her way, sometimes literally across the street, to talk, share stories and make friends in every walk of life. Kathy had a heart of gold and left a priceless legacy of love and laughter.
She is survived by her loving husband of over 58 years, Don; three sons: Timothy (Robin) Parish, Tod (Connie) Parish and Shawn (Janet) Parish; an additional daughter-in-law, Connie Parish; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two siblings: June Anderson and Marilyn Minkoff; several nieces, nephews and a community of friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Jenny Becker; two sisters: Ruth Chase and Doris Cleveland; one brother Jack Becker and two children, Gay and Ryan, both in infancy.
You can view Kathleen’s full life story and leave your memories on Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page and www.conleycare.com.
Private family services will be held following cremation.