Kathleen Doherty
June 08, 1924 – December 23, 2020
Kathleen Doherty (nee Gilmartin), Age 96, passed from this life on December 23, 2020, to join her husband, family and friends in eternal life.Born June 8, 1924, in County Sligo, Ireland, Kathleen was the 5th of Theresa and John Gilmartin’s twelve children. She was raised on the family farm in Sligo, at the foot of Benbulbin Mountain, surrounded by Ireland’s emerald green fields, her siblings, and enormous extended family. In her late teens, Kathleen left her cherished home and family for nursing school in London. Shortly thereafter, World War II broke out and she was on the front lines, treating wounded soldiers and civilians in London and later at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Scotland. After the war ended, Kathleen left England and immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago. She was soon followed by five of her siblings who all made their home on Chicago’s south side. Always ready for the next adventure, she attended the Irish Dances and traveled the Midwest attending Irish Football Games, eventually meeting the love of her life, her beloved Jimmy, at a match in Cleveland.Kathleen married James Doherty in the spring of 1951. They welcomed their first child, Noreen (Jack) Burgeson, followed very quickly by three sons, James Jr. (Mary Frances), John (Beth) and Michael (Karen) and finally, Mary Ann (Jim) Hoey. A gifted multi-tasker, she raised her five children while continuing to practice nursing, volunteering at her children’s school and keeping up with her many friends and family, near and far.Jim and Kathleen eventually settled in the Beverly neighborhood joining Christ the King Parish. The parish became the center of family life with all of the children attending school, playing sports and attending church at CK. Kathleen embraced the village theory of motherhood. Her door was always open and there was always enough room for another place at the table for as many friends as the children brought home, with or without notice. The same can be said for the endless assortment of stray animals that her children seemed to bring home on a regular basis.Kathleen was never happier than when she was attending a birthday party, first communion, graduation, wedding, or any celebration that would bring together her siblings with their dozens of children and grandchildren, her friends, and her neighbors. She NEVER turned down an invitation to a party, a habit she passed along to all of her children.Aunt Kathleen’s nieces and nephews, from Ireland and England, frequently found their way to Chicago for extended visits. Those summers, with her house overflowing with family, were her idea of perfection. Whether you were family living in Chicago or overseas, a friend or a friend of a friend, the door was always open and she loved you, fed you and celebrated your milestones and accomplishments.With the arrival of her ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Kathleen reveled in being the matriarch of her clan. She could be seen on the sidelines at sporting events, plays, musical performances and dance recitals shouting her encouragement and always, always believing that her grandchildren were the star of the game or show. John, Katie (Dan) and Michael Burgeson; James, Bryan (Kiley), Kevin, Bridget, Patrick (Lindsey), and Thomas Doherty and Molly Hoey brought her more joy than words can describe. Her great grandsons, Aiden and Owen were the icing on the cake.We take comfort in knowing that Kathleen has been reunited with her husband, parents, her siblings that have gone before her, the gang from Hoyne Avenue and all of the friends who proceeded her in death. When the gates of heaven opened, we imagine she was greeted with laughter, music and dancing, followed by a raucous game of Scrabble. Kathleen was simply extraordinary, and we will forever be guided by her values, relentless optimism and love of life. We are truly grateful for her long and happy life.Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Christ the King Church on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 will be private for the Doherty and Gilmartin Families. Livestream of the funeral mass will be available prior to mass. A celebration of Kathleen’s life for family and friends will be scheduled at a later date in 2021.
December 30, 2020 – 11:00 am cst