Kathleen Theresa O'Donnell

Kathleen Theresa O’Donnell (McAvoy) passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the age of 84.
Born July 6, 1941 in Chicago, Kathy grew up on Wrightwood Avenue in Lincoln Park with her siblings, Pat, Ted, and Linda. She attended St. Clement High School, graduating in 1960. At nineteen she met the love of her life, Dan, and began a 60 year loving partnership.
Kathy was steadfast in her beliefs and showed profound strength in all aspects of her life. She built a successful career in real estate and served many charitable organizations throughout her life, including as President of the Board of the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club. Kathy was a natural host with limitless creative ambition and a love for entertaining and gardening. She and Dan loved to travel the world with friends and family, often making new lifelong friends along the way.
Kathy’s innate ability to nurture and love unconditionally made her an extraordinary partner, mother, grandmother and friend. The center of Kathy’s world was always her family and especially her grandchildren. Her generous and loving spirit was felt by anyone who entered her home. She had a special gift for making people feel seen and loved, making so many feel part of her family.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Patrick O’Donnell, her father, Theodore Edward McAvoy (born County Down, Ireland) and her mother Hilda (Huber, born Chicago). She is lovingly remembered by her children: Brian (Jodi), Erin (Andy) and Kevin (Susie); grandchildren Casey O’Donnell Schmitt (Martin), Corey O’Donnell, Kirby O’Donnell, Haley Clark (Mads Emil), Emily Clark and Shannon Clark; siblings Patricia Beifuss (late husband James), Theodore McAvoy and Linda McAdow (Robert); and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at St. Teresa of Avila, 1037 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago at 11:30 am on Thursday, July 31st. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation beginning at 10:00 am. The service will be live streamed at https://teresa.church/live/.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Teresa of Avila, to benefit their many community ministries: https://www.givecentral.org/customizable-online-giving/209/event/9351

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