Kathleen Lorraine Burns (née Bock) finished her valiant fight with cancer and went to Jesus on November 3, 2026, in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. She was born on September 8, 1957, in Waukegan, and grew up in Antioch with her parents Lorraine and Richard, sister Karen, and brothers Rick and Ken.

A bright and determined student, Kathleen graduated as Valedictorian of Antioch High School, where she proudly served as the water girl for the football team. She went on to study medical technology, beginning at CLC and attending Chicago Medical School. Kathleen worked in the laboratory at Condell, specializing in hematology and lab services, and later at Abbott, where she contributed to the development and validation of instruments for hepatitis and blood testing analyzers—work that helped protect and improve countless lives.

It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, John. They first crossed paths in their medical technology program—his Sr. class was mostly men, and her junior class was mostly women. After meeting at a girls/guys’ mixer they began dating in 1978 and were married on August 2, 1980, beginning a partnership marked by deep love, shared faith, and a spirit of adventure.

In 1990 she left the professional workforce for what she lovingly called “the more difficult workforce” of raising a family. She and John welcomed their daughters with immense joy: Lindsay Jean, born December 31,1990, and Shauna Lorraine, born on November 29, 1994. Kathy poured her whole heart into motherhood. She homeschooled, served on PTA, and organized countless homeschool activities, including special elementary grade events and field trips that created lasting memories for her children and many others. She was an Awana leader at Alpine Chapel for many years, serving elementary girls as she served Jesus.

In Hawthorn Woods, Kathleen truly put down roots. She loved the outdoors and community life, organizing neighborhood gatherings, meet-ups at the beach with the kids, backyard camping trips, Euchre nights, social events, and hiking and biking outings. She led neighbor field trips to places like Green Meadows Farm and made “Cookie Day” an annual tradition that was open, inclusive, and eagerly anticipated.

Service was an essential part of her character. For more than 15 years, Kathleen volunteered as a tax aide, donating her time to help low-income individuals and seniors through AARP and local programs. She served at Ela Area Public Library and at locations in Waukegan, Barrington, and Gurnee, offering not only her skills but also patience, kindness, and respect.

The loves of her life were her grandchildren—Brody Burns, and Riley and Arya Annis—for whom she would drop everything. If a grandchild wanted to spend the night, the answer was always yes. She made memories with them through experiences: crafts, nature walks, special outings, and simple time together at Grandma (Nana) and Papa’s house. Kathy and John shared a deep love of travel, especially river cruises with friends. She was the “social chair,” always ready for a hike, a walk, or a new adventure. Together, they developed a passion for visiting National Parks. They logged the parks they visited on a map their daughter gave them, they were half way to achieving their goal of hiking in them all. She delighted in nature, walking trails, and especially the shoreline—often saying, “Who wants to go walk the beach with me?” She would sit for two minutes, then be up and walking along the water.

At home in Hawthorn Woods, Kathy walked every weekday morning with her lady friends, usually with her beloved dogs Pixie and Shadow—Pixie becoming her faithful walking partner. She loved animals, and plants. Her home was filled with life: greenery, pets, children, and friends.

To those who struggled, especially with mental illness, Kathy was a safe harbor. When the world didn’t understand, she did. She was always there—no matter what, without judgment. She didn’t just dip a toe into her children’s lives; she dived in completely, whether it was homeschooling projects, a whirlwind Disney trip, or late-night talks when someone needed to feel seen and heard.

Kathy had a gift for making a house a home. She loved and spoiled her nieces and nephews and became the “ultimate mother to all.” When someone needed a place to stay, her door was open. She kept order, but her order always made room for love, laughter, and belonging. Always the party planner, Kathy would do fun projects such as hatching eggs as part of homeschool to caring for surrogate cats and other animals, she built a life full of small, meaningful experiences that stitched her family and friends together.

Kathy legacy is one of faith, service, hospitality, and unwavering love. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend who gave generously of herself and made everyone around her feel included and cherished.

She is survived by her loving husband, John; her daughters, Lindsay Jean (Ryan) and Shauna Lorraine (Joey); her treasured grandchildren, Brody, Riley, Arya, and Kiki; her sister Karen (Tim); her brother Ken (LuAnn), many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Hope Collective - 23153 W Miller Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Visitation with family will begin at 1:00 PM until the Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 PM at the church. Interment will be private at the request of the family.

Please feel free to share your memories or messages of condolence in the guestbook below.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy requested that donations to be made in her memory to one of the following organizations: the American Cancer Society, National Park Service Foundation or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Find the official Kathleen L. Burns obituary & memorials page only at www.LindenFunerals.com

Funeral Arrangements & Services Entrusted To:

120 Peterson Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 - Tel. 224-331-6330