Obituaries
Obituary: Kathleen "Kathy" Cecchi
The love, warmth, and joy she brought into the world will continue to shine through the lives of those she touched.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Kathleen "Kathy" Cecchi
(nee McBride)
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Kathy Cecchi, age 85, of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 25, 1939, in Joliet to the late Bernice and John McBride. Kathy was a proud 1957 graduate of St. Francis Academy (JCA), honored to be part of the first class to graduate from the new school on Ingalls Avenue.
Kathy was the beloved wife of 66 years to Robert Cecchi and a devoted mother to the late Michael (Jeanne) Cecchi of Shorewood, Scott (Shari) Cecchi of Plainfield, and Victoria (Troy) Kohler of Shalimar, FL. She was the dearest grandmother of Amanda (Adam) Dalton, Anthony, Eric, and Andrew (Sage) Cecchi; and Brenton, Carter (Natalie), Claressa, and Briella Kohler. The light of her life in recent years was her great-grandson, Henry Dalton. Also surviving are her sister-in-law, JoAnn McBride, and several nieces and nephews.
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She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John “Jack” McBride, and her son Mike, whose memory remained ever-close to her heart.
Kathy spent her entire life in Joliet, where she built a career spanning several local businesses, including Cub Foods, ENT Surgical, Mainline Liquors, and Argonne National Labs. She had a deep appreciation for her community and found immense joy in volunteering at the Rialto Theatre, speaking fondly of the wonderful people she worked with. A dedicated Chicago Cubs fan, she cherished attending games throughout her life, celebrating the highs and enduring the lows with unwavering loyalty. Kathy’s presence, kindness, and dedication will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Throughout her life, Kathy left an indelible mark with her warmth, wisdom, and gentle strength. An avid knitter, she spent her lifetime weaving love into every stitch—crafting blankets for her family and friends, gifting them at baby showers, and donating them to nursing homes. Through her hands, she provided comfort, care, and warmth—her kindness wrapped around all who were fortunate enough to receive one of her creations. Her legacy lives on, not only in the blankets she made but, in the love and generosity she shared with everyone she had the pleasure of knowing.
A Memorial Mass for Kathy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 18 N. Woodlawn Avenue in Joliet.
A celebration of life will take place a little later that day, Friday May 9 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
