Kathleen Mary Dillavou, 63, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Kathleen was a loving, generous, and thoughtful mother, nana, daughter, sister, godmother, aunt, and friend whose life was defined by kindness and devotion to family.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Kathleen was the eldest of eight siblings. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Arlington Heights and then from St. Mary's College of Notre Dame, earning degrees in English, Creative Writing, and Communications with a minor in Art. A lifelong Notre Dame fan, she looked forward to football season every year.

Kathleen began her career in advertising before dedicating herself to raising her children, which she considered her greatest accomplishment. Later she found her true passion as a Bridal Consultant, where she delighted in helping brides choose their perfect wedding gowns.

Kathleen was a talented writer and a published poet, often writing wedding poems for her siblings. She loved horror movies, true crime shows, and her favorite guilty pleasure—90 Day Fiancé. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she loved creating themed trees, cards, and wrapping paper each year. Gift-giving was her love language, and she often said it was her favorite hobby. She was incredibly generous and always gave until she no longer could.

Family was Kathleen's greatest joy. She adored being a mom and cherished every moment as "Nana" to her grandson, Atlas—spoiling him with monthly themed gifts. As the oldest of eight, she maintained close relationships with all her siblings and extended family. She never forgot a birthday.

Kathleen faced significant health challenges but was a fighter. Thanks to a pancreas transplant from an anonymous donor and a kidney transplant graciously donated by her sister Christine, Kathleen was blessed with 20 additional years of life. These years allowed her to witness her children's milestones—graduations, careers, her daughter's wedding—and their growth into adulthood. Her family is forever grateful and hopes her story inspires others to consider organ donation.

In 2014, Kathleen moved to Houston to be closer to her children, leaving behind the cold Chicago winters for more time with family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Mary Ellen Walker (2020). She is survived by her children Kourtney Pullen (Ryan) and Travis Dillavou; her grandson Atlas Pullen; her father Jerome Walker; her siblings Jerry Walker (Theresa), Jeanne Walker, Sherri Page (Ron), Timothy Walker (Bridget), Maryann Willing, Michael Walker (Jaime), Christine Gresik (Jim); her boyfriend Brian Olson; her godchildren Dylan Thompson, Marissa Page, Merlot Fogarty; and nieces and nephews Daniel Walker, Danielle Harrison, Trey Harrison, Tristan Shorey, Shannon Page, Mallorie Page, Justen Page, Erin Walker, Regan Walker, Kassidy Willing, Shane Willing, Logan Walker, Katelyn Walker, Braden Gresik, Madison Gresik, Cameron Gresik, and Grayson Gresik.

A funeral liturgy will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Peevey Funeral & Cremation, 12440 Beamer Rd, Houston, TX, with Deacon Scott Broussard presiding.

The Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 am at St Theresa Catholic Church, 455 N Benton St, Palatine, IL 60067."

Kathleen will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her loving spirit, endless generosity, and unwavering devotion to family.