Kathryn D. French

Kathryn D. French, 99, passed away at Cedarhurst Assisted Living of Rockford, Illinois on April 26, 2024. Born on August 11, 1924, daughter to Thomas and Violet (Hulten) Hafey. She married James French on June 17, 1950, and they shared 25 years of marriage before his passing in January of 1976. Kathryn had a long 40 year career as a bookkeeper with several Rockford area businesses, retiring in 1998 from Mid-City Office Products.  In retirement, Kathryn was a 20 year volunteer at St. Anne’s Place Auxiliary, and was on their Board of Directors as Treasurer.  

Kathryn’s strong Catholic faith was central to her life. As an Affiliate with the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, she lived the spiritual values of simplicity and humble service to others. During her years of volunteer service at St Annes Place, Kathryn enjoyed attending mass with residents and friends.  Kathryn started each day with prayers and devotions as one who lived in faith, and in the spirit of joy and perseverance.

Kathryn is survived by her children Dick French, Dan (Scherry) French, Jerry (Karol) French, Terry French, Kathy (Mike) Paulli and Patti (Mike) Lucas; her grandchildren Bridget (Jorge), Kevin (Lisa), Matthew (Megan), Kayla (Sean), Josh, Kelly (Tim), Katie (Terence), Raymond (Sarah), Dana, Erin (Casey), Ian (Sarah), Jenny and Amy (Jake); her 17 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and dear friends Sister Anne Jaeger, Sister Mary Kay Moran, Sister Marie-Ange Marcotte of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary. She is predeceased by her husband James; her sister Betty (Mark) Conboy and many dear friends and family members. 

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 7^th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, Illinois 61111. A very special thank you to Shauna Evans, Heather Santoli and all the staff at Cedarhurst Assisted Living of Rockford for the awesome care and compassion they showed to Kathryn and her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the St. Anne’s Place Auxiliary. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com