Kathleen Whalen Lunnemann
Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend Kathleen passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the age of 62 after an 11 month battle of lung cancer taking its toll.
Kathleen was born October 7, 1950 in St. Louis, MO to the late John and Dorothy Whalen. She was preceded in death by her brother Robert Whalen. She was a loving mother of Tom Wilkison, Tricia Beck (Andy), Ted Wilkison (Christy), and Rosalyn Miller (Tim). She was the dear grandmother of Sophia, Anna, Anna Marie, David, Lacey, Jacob, Gillian, Dean and a soon-to-be-expected ninth grandchild. She was a kind sister to Tom, John, Dorothy, Michael, Jerry, Pat, and Kevin Whalen.
Kathleen was a 1968 graduate of St. Alphonus ‘Rock’ Catholic High School. The ‘Rock’ prepared her for a career that started at the St. Louis Review and came full circle at the end with her role as Finance Manager for Catholic Charities Community Services of St. Louis, Missouri. While she truly enjoyed the positive impact that she made over the past few years with Catholic Charities, she always made time to be there for her children and grandchildren. Whether it was teaching one of her grandchildren a new skill (sewing, writing, crafts, manners) or finding the right décor needed to finish one of her children’s homes, Kathleen was always the first to offer to help and provide a creative touch to make any project unique and ” just right”. When her children or grandchildren needed to talk, Kathleen would always listen with a attentive ear and provide an honest opinion that was thought provoking and insightful. It is just some of these memories that will make us all truly miss her.
Kathleen has chosen to donate her body for research to the St. Louis University School of Medicine. In lieu of flowers, Kathleen has asked for donations to be made in her name or that of Karyl Wallensak to Catholic Charities Community Services at 4532 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108 or at (314) 367-5500. This fund is setup to assist families that are in need of assistance during major medical events.A Memorial Mass for Kathleen will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2013at St. Alphonsus Liguori ‘Rock’ Catholic Church, 1118 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106 at 11:00am. The family will be available for greetings before Mass, beginning at 10:15 am. There will be a reception at the Parish Gym following.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. She will be missed…
I would like to express my condolences to all of Kathy’s family and friends. I will always remember her from our days together in high school where she always had a smile on her face and love in her eyes. Although we didn’t really keep in touch after high school, I will always remember what a special person she was and will be keeping her family and friends in my prayers. May she rest in peace with the Lord.
My deepest sympathy to Kathy’s family. I worked with Kathy at the Local 88 Union Office. So sadden to hear of her death but I know Kathy fought like a tiger to stay. May she rest now.
We are truly sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
It’s so hard to put into words the sadness in my heart at losing my best friend…my soul sister. In time I hope to remember all the wonderful times and erase these last days. My heart goes out to her family and especially her kids and grandkids. She loved you and was so proud of all of you. With God’s help the pain will lessen.
I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all of Kathy’s family. I went to Rock with her, rode the Lee bus with her and had seen her several times after graduation. She will always be remembered as that person who always had a ready laugh and a helping hand which she extended to ANYONE she thought might need some help! I’m so sorry she had to suffer at all. She certainly will always be remembered fondly by everyone she left behind! I know you’re at peace in God’s loving arms! Rest in Peace, old friend!
Kathleen was an unbelievably special person. She always gave one hundred per cent of herself to everyone.
I will always remember her Irish smile and infectious laugh.
She lives on through her children and grandchildren whom she adored.
Much love to the entire Whalen Clan.
~ Patti Murphy, St. Louis, Missouri
We are very sorry for your loss. She was a great woman and I admire her fight in the last few months to keep on going. We really wish we could be there in person to pay our respects and want you to know that your family are in our thoughts. We are here to support you and always just a phone call away.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Have not seen Kathy for awhile but she always had a great laugh. I went to Rock with Kathy those where the good old days. She is at peace and out of pain. Our deepest sympathy.