CHARLESTON, IL – Kathleen Mary Swinford, passed away one day shy of her 67th birthday, on Thursday, July 22, 2021, in the comfort of her home and with loving family at her side. Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive in Charleston. There will be no public funeral service. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Sarah Bush Regional Cancer Center and left at the visitation or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Kathy was born July 23, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of the late William J. and Reda Jane (Sheehan) Murray. She was a graduate of Kelly High School and attended cosmetology school following graduation. She worked as a beautician before making a career change. After receiving her Illinois Teaching Certificate and Paraprofessional License she worked for Bridgeview Elementary School until her retirement in 2018. Kathy enjoyed teaching and working with children and continued to volunteer in her daughter’s classroom at Jefferson Elementary School following the move to Charleston.
Kathy’s wide and diverse range of interests always made life exciting for her and those around her. She enjoyed swimming in the summer, ice-skating in the winter, and shopping year-round with antique stores being one of her favorite destinations. She had a knack for interior decorating, especially with her beloved “strawberry themed” décor, and loved watching HGTV for inspiring ideas and the Hallmark Channel for shows about home and family. Kathy always had beautifully manicured flower gardens that adorned the outside of her home and a canine family member that added to the warmth and love felt within. Family and friends who visited Kathy’s home were always made to feel comfortable and welcome by her heartfelt and genuinely affectionate greeting that met them at the door.
Family members who will forever cherish their many fond memories include her best friend and loving and devoted husband of 43 years, Mike Swinford of Charleston; her children, Kelly Fricke and husband Dan of Naperville, Illinois, Michael Swinford and Nicole Swinford, both of Charleston; a grandchild, Aidan Fricke of Naperville; her brother, William Murray and wife Paulie of Spurger, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves her two grand-dogs, Cooper, and Stella of whom she was so fond. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Reda L. Murray and her dog, Snickers.
Kathy was adored and loved by so many and will truly be missed.
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