Kathleen E. Prendergast

Kathleen Elizabeth Prendergast, 80, of Chicago, and previously Homewood, IL, passed away on January 11th, 2023, after a battle with dementia. Known as “Cassie,” she was born on March 17th, 1942, to Michael Francis and Dorothy (McMullen) Prendergast in Cumberland, MD. After graduating from Catholic Girls Central High School in 1961, she went on to study nursing at a local college and received her LPN. In 1962, at a dance sponsored for GI’s acclimating to life in basic training, she met Joseph J Chaparro, and they wed shortly thereafter, going on to have six children, Michele Frances (McClain,) Monica Jane (Weston,) Philip John, Gregory Joseph, Moria Katherine (Anderson,) and Megan Kathleen (Mulay.) She subsequently married twice more. Cassie was beloved mother-in-law to William McClain, Steve Weston, Martha Chaparro (Greg,) Jessica Chaparro (Philip,) Chris Anderson, and Brad Mulay. When Cassie gave birth to Michele, her eldest child, she decided to dedicate her life to being a mother. She supported her children, always circling the wagons when life presented challenges and difficulties. She was fiercely loyal to her children, whether that was supporting Greg and Meganthrough law school, lifting Moria up through the years, or encouraging Phil to become an exceptional parent. She proudly watched as both Monica and Michele prospered as parents and in their professions. She was on a particular mission to improve the lives of her children and succeeded – she remained proud of them until the end and always spoke of them (to anyone who would listen!) with great respect and admiration. She imbued each of her children with a strong work ethic, and desire to achieve, sometimes working multiple jobs to support her family. Cassie ultimately became a successful salesperson, excelling at high levels of performance; she experienced great achievement and recognition as a result. After retiring from her career in commercial title insurance, she became a CNA, a personal passion given her interest in nursing and caring for others. She brought the same sense of compassion and loving kindness to those she cared for. Cassie filled her home with warmth and could usually be found in the company of friends, family and enjoying the companionship of her beloved dog, Moca. Friends and family described Cassie as determined, proud, a “spitfire” and “force of nature.” She walked with a quick, light step, and seemingly never stopped moving. Her perseverance was unmatched. Cassie was grandparent to Theodora McClain-Cohen, Alexa Shanahan, Nicholas Weston, Rachel and Erik Chaparro, Tyler, Olivia, Lucas, and Brock Anderson, Katelin, Claire, and Connor Chaparro, and Jack, and Andrew Mulay. She was great-grandparent to Levi (Cohen,) and Michael IV. (Shanahan.) Cassie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, and nine siblings, Michael, Mary Ryan, Rhea, Dorothy, Anna, Patricia, John, and twins Edward and Eleanor. We will miss Cassie dearly. The family requests that all flowers and notes be sent to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, Palos Hills, IL Family and friends will gather for a visitation on Sunday, January 22, 2023 3:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Funeral Monday, January 23, 2023 9:00 a.m. from the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home 11028 Southwest Hwy. Palos Hills, IL to St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Private