Kathleen M. Schippers
Obituary's Biography:
Kathleen M. Schippers, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Oct. 12, 2022 at age 69. She was a resident of Arlington Heights, IL and Lodi, WI.
Kate was born on Aug. 26, 1953, in Chicago to David P. Schippers and Jacquelin Schippers (nee Liautaud), the eldest of 10 children. Growing up in Chicago and Northbrook, IL, Kate was the “mother duckling” to her four sisters and five brothers.
Kate received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from George Washington University and a master’s degree in education from Marian University in Fond du Lac, WI. She worked for more than 14 years with Deerfield Public Schools District 109, where she was a library information specialist.
Kate was known for her love of children and reading. She had a gift for bringing books to life, and her amazingly expressive read-alouds were enjoyed by hundreds of children over the years. She was a positive influence to countless students, with many becoming avid readers themselves.
Kate’s children and grandchildren were her biggest joy. She was a great supporter to family members, assuring them they could achieve anything they wanted to accomplish. Kate will be remembered for her hearty laugh and her love and acceptance for all.
Kate was preceded in death by her parents and brother, the Hon. Thomas M. Schippers.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Batka; children James TeWinkle, William (Nicole) TeWinkle and Lydia (Will) Phelps; and stepchildren Sarah (Blake) Stegeman and Christie Batka (Paul Kopp). Her grandchildren are William and Nicole’s children, Annabelle, Flora, and Lennox; and Sarah and Blake’s children, Autumn, Eleanor, and Luke.
Kate is also survived by her siblings: David Schippers III (Pat Connor); Antoinette “Tiyi” Schippers (David Bunce); Ann Schippers Winter (Bob Winter); Colleen Schippers Margolis (Lou Margolis); Kevin Schippers (Beth Hunter); Dr. Mary (Mimi) Schippers; Patrick Schippers (Trisha); Peter Schippers (Dr. Laura Taylor); Thomas’ wife Carol; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
She is also survived by “auxiliary siblings,” her cousins Joe Lyons and Judy Liautaud.
A visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 17, 2022 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 10:00am until 12:00pm. A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, October 17, 2022 at 12:00pm St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.
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“We love you, Kate.”
Jefff and Mary Ann Liautaud Family
Extending my sincere condolences. My heart aches for the entire family. Such a sweetheart Kate was. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her. May fond and loving memories comfort you during your time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God’s blessings.
She was a highschool classmate and I will miss all the pictures she posted of family. She was so proud of them. She will watch over all from her place in heaven.
This can’t be true! Kate is much too wonderful and life-filled to be gone, just like this. I just can’t believe this.
Kate was a great librarian, friend and colleague. She was always upbeat and had a wonderful laugh. She was creative and a big supporter of Destination Imagination. She will be missed.
I am stunned and devastated by this loss. Kate was s beautiful spirit inside and out. Her influence in my life and so many others is absolute. My sincere condolences to the entire Schippers family. God Bless Kate on her journey to the moon and stars. She is already missed beyond measure.
Condolences to Michael and his family. She was a great Lady!! So sorry for your loss.
Shine on dear Kate. I’m so very sad to lose my beautiful smart and joyful sister-niece. I love you so. So many are grieving this day and will miss your contagious laugh and love you spread so easily. Bless your family that they find some solace in the beautiful times they shared with you
I send my prayers and love. I loved Kate as my sister. She was the “Chippers”! May you be at peace knowing that your sister was loved by everyone who had the great pleasure of knowing her. She will be missed. Thank you, Kate, for making me a better person.