Kathryn Shea Lee

Kathryn Shea Lee, 97, of Little York, IL, passed away at 7:57 p.m., Friday, December 22, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born on May 26, 1920, in Oneida, Illinois, Kathryn was the daughter of William and Ella (Murray) Shea, and was the fourth eldest of their ten children. She was raised in rural Rio and Henderson, Illinois, where she attended the Rowe country school. She also attended Wataga High School and graduated in 1938 from St. Joseph’s Academy in Galesburg, Illinois. In her youth, she earned her room / board as a private domestic and worked as an aide at St. Mary’s Hospital. Following her graduation, she attended Brown’s Business College in Galesburg, worked for a time at Midwest Mfg. Company in Galesburg, and was employed at the Goodyear Plant near Phoenix, Arizona during World War II.

On April 27, 1946, she married Michael W. Lee at St. John’s Catholic Church in Woodhull, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 15, 1992. From the time of her marriage, she resided on the Michael Lee farm east of Little York, Illinois. As a farm wife and homemaker, she shared abundantly from her garden and kitchen, welcoming farm crews, neighbors, and many clergy, family and friends to her home. Throughout her entire life, she was a model of charity and generosity to many. In particular, she displayed special kindness toward the elderly and those in need, and demonstrated a great affection for all children. Her concern for others was exemplary of her Catholic faith, and was most evidenced by the care she gave her own husband during his long illness.

Kathryn was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Monmouth, IL, where she served as a promoter for its Altar and Rosary Society. She worked for many years as an election judge in Sumner Township, and as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and for Yorkwood School activities. More recently, while her health permitted, she volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital in Galesburg. Her fortitude and strength of determination during her final years of declining health were inspirational, her good humor endless, and her love since childhood of both music and rhyme became one of the many legacies she shared with her family.

She is survived by three sons, Michael Richard Lee of Ozark, Missouri, Mark William Lee of Little York and Skokie, IL, and Robert Matthew (Kari) Lee of Elmhurst, IL; two daughters, Marian Theresa (Ed) Thomas of Aiken, South Carolina, and Kathryn Malia Lee of Geneva, IL; and by her four grandchildren, Mary Therese Thomas, Ella Kathryn Lee, Erin Shea Lee and Nathan Michael Lee. She is also survived by two sisters, Arlene Winbigler of Little York and Helen Pendergast of Knoxville; by three first cousins; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sisters, Beatrice Samuelson, Duane Brandenberg and Roselyn Behringer; and by four brothers, William Shea, Patrick Shea, James Shea and Richard Shea.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Monmouth. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 27, 2017, from 5:00-7:30 p.m., at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. A Rosary Service will begin at 5:00 p.m. Memorials can be made to Immaculate Conception Church or OSF Hospice.