Kathleen A. Rippe "Kathy", age 66 of New Lenox, passed away on March 13, 2025, with her loving family at her side. Survived by her dear husband Richard J. Rippe "Rich", whom she has been married to since April 21, 2001, siblings William (Leslie) J. Parker, Robert F. Parker, Mary Carol (Jack) Bainbridge, numerous nieces and nephews, and faithful canine companions Louie and Liza-Jane. Preceded in death by her parents William J. Parker and Pearl (Margaret) Parker (nee Brom).

Kathy graduated from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in 1976 and St. Mary's College with a bachelor's degree in education in 1980. She continued her studies at Chicago State University where she received her master's degree. Kathy spent most of her career teaching children K-6 in a classroom at Memorial School- Community Consolidated School District 146 before becoming Media Center Director for the last five years of her career. She retired in 2009. Kathy was a long-time member at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manhattan. In her younger years, she enjoyed cross stitch and needlepoint embroidery. Later in life, she enjoyed planting her flowers and taking in the view from the back deck of their house. She cherished the vacations she took with Rich to Italy and Cape Cod out east.

Visitation for Kathy will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Prayers will take place at 10:30 A.M. which will be immediately followed by Procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manhattan for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Interment Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891 or the National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network, which was near and dear to Kathy's heart, would be most appreciated. Donations to NBRAN can be made by visiting https://www.nbran.org/donate or mailing to NATIONAL BRITTANY RESCUE & ADOPTION NETWORK PO BOX 5046 GREENSBURG, PA 15601-5058. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.