Kathleen "Kitty" (nee Hanrahan) Dawson

Kathleen “Kitty” Dawson, 72, of Johnsburg, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2021 after a brief illness.  She will always be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, infectious laugh, generosity, and devotion to her family and friends. 

Born on January 24, 1949, she was the youngest child of Mary and Jerome Hanrahan and spent her childhood on the north side of Chicago with brothers James, Robert, and Jerome Jr.  Kitty attended St. Gertrude’s Elementary School and St. Scholastica High School, graduating in 1967.  Years later she settled in northern Illinois where she raised her sons and worked in customer service.

Kitty’s everyday enthusiasm drew in friends and strangers alike and tales of her adventures, both new and old, always had us laughing.  Her wit and edgy-but-sweet sarcasm made her a favorite cousin, aunt, sister and friend.  Kitty loved chatting with people and her ability to relate to acquaintances from all walks of life was unparalleled.  She was the definition of a people person.

She had many hobbies, but a Kitty “top three” would find cooking, St. Patrick’s Day and all things Christmas battling for the top spot.  Homemade feasts were common no matter the day and multiple helpings were lovingly encouraged.  Every March 17th her granddaughter received a care package filled with shamrock dresses and enough green trinkets to share with everyone in her class.  It was never too early to hear Bing Crosby crooning the holidays at Kitty’s house.  Store bought Christmas décor was no match for her hand-crafted bows.

Life will surely be different without Kitty’s laugh to make us smile or her encouragement to help us tackle a new challenge.  She would scoff at the tears and be quick to dismiss the fuss being made on her behalf.  Kitty would rather we focus our energy on having a second helping of our favorite meal.  Hopefully made from scratch.      

Kitty is survived by her brother, James (Susan) Hanrahan; sister-in-law Sandra Hanrahan; sons, Brian (Sarah MacLeod) Dawson, Kevin (Tammy) Dawson; granddaughter, Veronica Dawson and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She is proceeded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerome Jr. and Robert and her beloved dog, Winston.

The memorial visitation for Kitty will be held on Sunday September 12, 2021 from 2pm-5pm at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd. Fox Lake, IL.  Interment will be private.  Please note, according to the State of Illinois mask mandate of August 30, 2021, face masks must be worn while inside the funeral home.

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