Kathleen LeMieux Obituary

Kathleen LeMieux, nee Kaczmarek, of Oak Park, age 74. Beloved wife of the late Charles; loving sister of Ken (Susan) Kaczmarek, Mary (George) Frycek and Anne (Mario) Lipira; fond aunt of many. 

Kathleen was devoted to her beloved husband, Charles.  Together they traveled throughout Europe and beyond to pursue the life and voyages of Christoper Columbus.  They especially loved Spain and all that was Spanish.  Wherever they went, they made lifelong friendships.  

Luis de Santángel, finance minister of King Ferdinand, organized the financing of Columbus’s first voyage to the New World.   Charles and Kathleen found in Santángel’s will a request to be buried at Monasterio de la Trinidad in Valencia.  After years of negotiations in Valencia and Madrid, an excavation and verification of Santángel’s remains were completed and are now marked with a plaque.  Charles and Kathleen received honors from the King of Spain for their outstanding historical dedication and work.  

Kathleen held an International Symposium on Santángel and the Jews and converted Jews in River Forest, IL in 1998.  For this work, she was honored by the Jewish community for distinguished work that both united people in her community and throughout the world.  

Kathleen was an artist.  She had a rare ability to sketch, paint and photograph life around her so that her art would become alive for the viewer.   She loved painting side by side with her dad.  She loved nature and found pleasure from planting and watching life grow.  She was often seen “digging in the dirt” gardening beside her mom.  Kathy often had this quote written in her notes,” Never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day!”

Kathleen will be remembered and loved by her family.  XOXO

Services are private. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.