Kathleen Burch, 84, passed away on September 5, 2024, in Park Ridge Illinois. She was born on September 16, 1939, in Chicago, the only and very beloved child of the late Edward and Winifred McGuire. A graduate of the Academy of Our Lady (Longwood Academy), she went on to get a bachelor’s degree in journalism and English from Mundelein College. 

In 1962, she married Richard Kampwirth, and together they raised three children: Karen (Duane Oldfield) Kampwirth, Lisa (Mark Wagstaff) Kampwirth, and Bob (Keri) Kampwirth, all of whom survive her. Although she and Richard later divorced, they remained close friends, and Richard, along with his wife Fran Stott Kampwirth, also survives her.

In 1989, she married Ken Burch, who predeceased her in 2015. She is survived by her stepchildren: Chris (Lydia Sosenko) Burch, Tim (Lauren) Burch, and Valerie (Tom) Woods. Most importantly, she is survived by many beloved grandchildren: Katie (Ben) Brenton, Maddie, Mike, and Declan Kampwirth, Finn and Veronica Wagstaff, Sophie and Vanessa Oldfield, as well as step-grandchildren Natalie and Marisa Burch, Katya and Eric Burch, and Cecelia Woods.

Kathleen was a pioneer in her devotion to both career and motherhood, even when her children were quite young, showing her daughters and son by example that women should have lives that are just as rich and fulfilling as those of men. For many years she worked for Lerner newspapers, most of that time as the Family Living editor. Later she worked as the head of Public Relations departments for a number of public-school districts and hospitals, finally retiring as the director of public relations at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now called the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab). She had a large circle of devoted friends, some of whom joined her in her extensive travels in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Others were partners in the card games she loved and excelled at, especially bridge. All appreciated her humor, kindness, and generosity. She will be terribly missed.

Visitation, Monday, September 9, 2024, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 South Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL.

Funeral Mass, Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 1:00 pm at Saint Paul of the Cross Church, 320 South Washington Street, Park Ridge, IL.

Interment Private, Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.

For additional information please call (847) 823-1171 or visit: ryan-parke.com