Obituary of Katherine O'Brien

Katherine A. O’Brien, 44, of Waukegan, passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights Illinois. She was surrounded by her immediate family. Kate was born to Terence and Sharon O’Brien in October of 1977 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. She grew up in Zion, Illinois and attended local schools. In 1999, Kate proudly graduated from St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin. In September 2013, Kate married her long-time love, Joseph Pirelli. Together, Kate and Joe shared almost two decades of adventures. Kate was well known for her generous spirit, her intelligence, and her humor. Kate loved to travel and to discover new things. In her life, Kate visited almost every U.S. state, traveled to Europe, Canada, and Mexico, and frequently explored the island of Puerto Rico. Kate loved music, traveling far and wide to see her favorite bands, including U2 and every iteration of The Grateful Dead. Kate was a loyal friend who nurtured many decades long friendships. She was a dedicated employee, who took pride in her work for Abbott Laboratories. She was a devoted wife, who adored her husband, Joe. She was a proud dog mom. She was a wonderful sister. And she was a truly cherished daughter. Kate’s passing leaves an unfillable void in the life of everyone who knew her. Kate is survived by her loving husband, Joe Pirelli of Waukegan; her parents, Terry and Sharon O’Brien of Zion; her sister Elsbeth (Michael) O’Brien of Williamsburg, Virginia; and her two Jack Russell terriers, Fern and Fig. She is further survived by a large loving family and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents John and Geraldine O’Brien; her maternal grandparents Elroy and Berniece Klebig; her uncles John M. O’Brien and Gail Klebig; her aunts Shirley (Henry) Matson and Lois (Keith) Hilts; and her beloved Jackahuahua, Jojo “Jell” O’Brien. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be private. The family asks that attendees either be vaccinated or wear a mask. Following the service, Kate’s family requests that family and friends join them to celebrate Kate’s memory at the Inn on Sheridan, 2723 Sheridan Road, Zion, Illinois 60099. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the American Cancer Society or the World Wildlife Foundation.