Obituaries
Obituary: Kathleen P. Briick
Her life was a reflection of her deeply rooted faith and heartfelt compassion.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Kathleen P. Briick
Kathleen “Kathy” P. Briick, 75, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Chicago, IL, on April 16, 1950, she was the daughter of the late John R. and Mary P. (née Fleming) O’Donnell.
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Kathleen retired from Posen-Robbins School District 143.5 after a long and devoted career in special education, where she touched countless young lives with her patience, humor, and belief in every child’s potential. A woman of deep faith, she lived her Catholic values through service alongside her loving husband Leon — guiding Scout Troop 15, volunteering with the Gaelic Park Players in many capacities, mentoring couples through Marriage Encounter, and giving her time generously to her parish.
She was the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them feeling like an old friend. Kathleen’s Irish heritage was woven into the fabric of her life with Leon — from the ceilidhs they danced, to the shelves of books she devoured, to the joyful trips they took to Irish festivals and, many times, across the ocean to Ireland itself.
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Above all, Kathleen’s heart belonged to her family, near and far, who knew her as a steady source of love, encouragement, and laughter.
“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Leon; son, Liam (Hannah) Briick; step-children, Deborah Briick, Theresa (Joe) Byron, Catherine Briick, Barbara (Billy) Kimbrell, and Susan Briick; step-grandchildren, Cassie (Nick) Imperial, Joe Byron IV, Carson (Xochitl) Gracey, and Nathan Gracey; four step-great grandchildren; sister, Colleen Murray, brother, Kevin (Anita) O’Donnell; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Timothy O’Donnell; step-daughter, Mary Beth Gracey; and brother-in-law, Thomas Murray.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gaelic Park Charities at https://donate.chicagogaelicpark.com/
Funeral services for Kathleen P. Briick will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will take place at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
