Kathryn V. (McGowan) Shaunessy

Kathryn V. Shaunessy, age 99, of Geneva, passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Inspirations Senior Living in St. Charles with her loving daughter by her side.

She was born November 20, 1926, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, the daughter of George and Virginia (Seeman) McGowan.

Kathryn’s interest in caring for others began early. When she was seven, her three-year-old brother became ill with nephritis. The family cared for him for three years until he passed away in 1937, Kathryn was ten. Losing him deeply affected her and grounded her sense of what was important. She never asked for much; her eleventh birthday came just days after his death, and when asked what she wanted, she said, “Nothing.” This selflessness followed her for life.

After high school, she traveled alone to Chicago to study infant nursing at Michael Reese Hospital. Although she didn’t complete the program, she spent her entire career as a dedicated nurse’s aide at Oak Park Hospital, caring for many patients and holding on to their stories along the way.

At home, she was a patient, gentle mother. She filled the house with thriving plants, managed a large collection of books, and enjoyed getting lost in a good story. In her later years, she completed hundreds of word-search puzzles to keep her mind active.

She took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, proudly watching their photos rotate on her digital picture frame.

Kathryn was a kind, quiet woman who devoted her life to caring for others and creating a warm, peaceful home. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughter Mary (Stephen) Murray of Geneva; grandchildren Jessica (Matthew) Patterson-Nunziata of Park Ridge, Krista (Joseph) Hasenstein of Chicago, and Patrick (Devin) of Geneva; great grandchildren Gianna and Ryan Nunziata, Jaxson Hasenstein, and Taryn Murray. Her dear sister in law, Evelyn McGowan and niece Lynn McGowan Kirsten of Green Bay, Wisconsin, plus many other nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents; brothers Melvin, George, and John; dear son-in-law Thomas M. Patterson; and her loving husband of 59 years John, who passed away in 2010. 

Visitation for Kathryn will be held Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of her memorial service at noon at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Roue 38), Geneva with Father John McFadden officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Anderson Animal Shelter, 1000 S. La Fox Street, South Elgin, Illinois 60177 would be appreciated.

We are deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at Inspirations in St. Charles, whose kindness and gentle care wrapped Mom in love during her final chapter. Special thanks also to Traditions Health for their tender, dignified end-of-life hospice care that brought our family comfort and peace.

For information 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.

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