Kathryn Sue (Greene) Confer, 73, 'Was The Heart Of Her Family'

The following obituary was submitted to Joliet Patch by Kathryn Confer's family.

JOLIET, IL —Kathryn Sue (Greene) Confer, 73, of Joliet, Illinois passed away on March 2, 2023, after an extended battle with rheumatoid arthritis, a 40+ year nemesis, surrounded by some of her favorite people.

Kathryn was born February 13, 1950, to Earl and Inis (Leggett) Greene in Joliet, Illinois. She resided with her family in Wilmington, prior to moving to Joliet, then Manhattan, finally residing in Joliet. She attended Woodland Elementary School (Joliet), Washington Junior High School (Joliet), Joliet Central High School (Joliet) and Lincoln-Way High School (New Lenox).

Kathryn was a devoted Christian, parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church-Joliet then St Jude’s Catholic Church-Joliet in more recent years.

Kathryn was the heart of her family. She was deeply devoted to her girls and grandchildren, although sons-in-love, Larry and Mike, will claim that they were the favorites. She was always playing the oldies, humming songs and wanting them to explore the world with her. Her beautiful home was always a safe space to come, and her door was always open. She naturally created an atmosphere of love and support because of who she was. “Grammy” joyfully passed on her passions of baking, painting, working in her garden, reading, games, and sitting on her back porch.

Kathryn was the 2nd of 4 children. Her siblings were her best friends, and she loved spending her days being a part of their lives. Nothing brings you closer than mischief and adventure as young kids and a little rebellion in the teenage years. Although they weren’t always in the same location, that did not stop their relationship, never missing a meal together at Truth or Merichka’s when in town. Sandie, Kate, Ben and David have had many laughs…and a few tears over the years as they have celebrated, travelled, loved and grieved together. Their bond has never wavered and will always be cherished between them.

Kathryn has always had a special relationship with her ex-husband Jim and his wife Cheri. This trio has set the standard for co-parenting, often annoying the girls. Their love and friendship for each other speaks volumes to the women Kathy and Cher are. They shared holidays and birthdays, made many sacrifices, and lived only a few blocks apart for many years to ensure the girls and bonus sons were always loved and cared for.

Kathryn was extremely passionate about her work. She had a great appreciation for the work she did and the people she got to know through the years. She shared fond memories with co-workers & friends at the “J” – E.J.&E. Railroad, always enjoying her frequent lunches with the “J Girls.” Kate finished her fulfilling career at American Hospital Association, Chicago.

Kathryn is survived by treasured daughters, Amanda (Lawrence Jr) Brooks, Jill (Michael) Biggs, her loud and spicy grandchildren Riley (Shakar Washington), Julian (Emma Valek), Sydney, Macy, Dane, Ty and Zeke, beloved bonus sons James (Kara) Confer Jr and Christopher Confer, sister Sandra Napientek, brothers Benjamin Greene and David (Nancy) Greene, aunts Marjorie Lamont and Ruby Greene and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and Coco, her wild and crazy pup.

An open house to celebrate Kathryn’s beautiful life will be held at Al’s Steakhouse in Joliet, on March 12, 2023 from 1-4pm.

In lieu for flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.