Catherine Laverne Schoenecker

Catherine Laverne Schonecker "Kay" passed away April 17^th at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, their daughter Cathy Ann, parents Frank and Mary Rio and brother Dominic.

She is survived by her daughter Susan (Amy), an son James (Nancy), brother Frank Rio (Jan), sister Mary Ann (Russell Knaack), and 3 grandchildren.

Kay was born on Chicago's south side to Italian immigrant parents Frank and Mary Rio. She had many fond memories of her old neighborhood, local ice cream parlor and the yearly fiesta and parades. She was a graduate of Raster Elementary and Harper High School.

Kay met Donald a WWII veteran and they married in 1952. She moved to her home in Midlothian in 1956 and lived there for 67 years. She was a devoted parishioner of St Christopher's church also attending there for 67 years. It was her strong faith in God that helped her persevere through many of life's challenges.

After she was married Kay worked in the office at Clark Oil Refinery in Blue Island. In 1975 she began working at Oak Forest Hospital as the secretary to the Protestant Chaplains and later as a scheduler for the Rehabilitation unit. She won a public service award from Cook County in 1993.

For many years, Kay enjoyed spending weekends at her summer property near Angola Indiana. She enjoyed fishing, swimming, boating, and cooking-out while always surrounded by family and friends. She took many pictures!

She was known for her upbeat personality, and her kindness and generosity. She had countless friends and was someone everyone trusted. Everyone felt welcome in her home.

She was very active playing golf regularly, bowling, dancing and playing cards and dominoes. She never stopped moving, keeping herself busy working in her yard and decorating her home, which always had a full refrigerator just in case someone stopped by. She loved to spend hours shopping and bargain hunting with her sister Mary Ann. She always made sure there was and extra gift or toy for her granddaughters whenever they visited.

She was a member of the Red Hat Society and a volunteer at the St Vincent Depaul Society.

After her husband Donald's death, she was the longtime friend and companion of Mr. Norm Lipan and good friend to his children and grandchildren.

Like her mother, Kay was and excellent cook. She loved preparing large meals. She was and incredible baker, known for gifting tins of cookies to her family and friends at Christmas time.

Kay made everyone feel special. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt and neighbor. She will be missed terribly by her family and friends.