Obituaries
Obituary: Kathleen P. Mackowiak (nee Martin)
Kathleen had an amazing memory, a fondness for reading, and a good cup of HOT coffee meant everything to her.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Kathleen P. Mackowiak (nee Martin)
Kathleen Patricia Mackowiak, age 82, of Montgomery, and formerly Of Joliet and Chicago, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Rush-Copley Medical Center, Aurora, surrounded by her loving family.
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Born June 1, 1944, in Chicago, she was one of three children, and the only daughter born to Michael and Catherine (Fitzpatrick) Martin. She grew up in the Bridgeport neighborhood of the city and was a graduate of the former St. Mary of Perpetual Help High School.
Kathleen worked in several different positions during her life but was most proud of the time she got to spend being a homemaker taking care of her husband and raising her three boys.
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She met and married her high school sweetheart, Walter Mackowiak, and they have enjoyed 62 years of marriage. He survives along with their three sons and their spouses, Walter (Daniel) Mackowiak, David (Victoria) Mackowiak and Keith (Monique) Mackowiak, and three grandchildren, Nicole, Alec and Ian Mackowiak.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Joseph (Mary Ann) Martin and Patrick “Bud" (Donna) Martin.
A devoted wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother, Kathleen was deeply proud of her Irish heritage as demonstrated by her quick wit, unwavering pride, cheerful disposition, sense of humor, delightful sarcasm, and occasional stubbornness. Loving known as "St. Kathleen" to her boys, she had an amazing memory, a fondness for reading, and a good cup of HOT coffee meant everything to her. She will be remembered as an extremely loving person, for always being happy, and her positive attitude along with her infectious laugh.
A Memorial Gathering for Kathleen Mackowiak will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m., until the time of funeral services at 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60431. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, will be private.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share an online memory.
