Joliet Park Supervisor Who Died Unexpectedly Will Be Greatly Missed

JOLIET, IL — Visitation services will be held Thursday for Kathy Green, a well-liked, long-time Joliet Park District official who died suddenly on Monday. Green was 55.

Green spent 30 years with the Joliet Park District, rising to her current role as special recreation of Joliet and Channahon superintendent.

According to her obituary notice, Green loved softball. She was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan who was ecstatic to watch the Cubs capture last season's World Series crown.

At the park district, Green brought smiles to the faces of the area's special needs population. She took a lot of pride in coaching the Special Olympics program. Softball was one of her favorite sports.

The Joliet Park District's website posted a statement mourning Green's death.

"Kathy was an extraordinary person and will be deeply missed," park officials announced. "Employed at the Joliet Park District for 30 years, she leaves a legacy of one having great kindness, an awesome sense of humor and most importantly an infinite devotion and love for the SRJC Program participants and staff. Also, Kathy’s generosity extends beyond the Joliet Park District where she was very involved with the Special Olympics Illinois District 7 and collaborated with many local agencies in the interest of people with special needs."

Growing up, Green attended grade school at St. Paul the Apostle, graduating in 1975. She graduated in 1979 from St. Francis Academy and obtained her bachelor's of education in 1983 from the College of St. Francis.

Visitation is scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. Friday's funeral procession begins at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Mass taking place at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Jude.

Image via Joliet Park District