Kathryn C. Mulvaney, 91, a longtime resident of Libertyville and Grayslake, Illinois, passed away on February 4, 2026, at Highland Park Hospital in Highland Park, Illinois. She was born on November 10, 1934, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to John and Helen Froehlich.

Kathryn is survived by her children, Susan (Alex) Seguin, Marie (Pete) Rickler, Lisa (Mike) Nelson, and Sean (Susan) Mulvaney; her grandchildren, Jay, Shannon, Madeleine, Alex, Chris, Kate and Rachel; and her siblings, Ann Russell and John (Kathy) Froehlich. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Dick, Dave, and Tom Froehlich.

Kathryn was a cherished family member, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a wonderful friend and neighbor. Known affectionately as Kay, she is remembered by all who knew her as special, remarkable, vibrant and deeply endearing. With her warm smile, quick wit, and genuine interest in others, she had a natural ability to make people feel welcome and valued.

In her early years, Kay survived a Johnstown flood—famously along with her geese— and worked alongside her siblings in support of the Froehlich family meatpacking business as the nation emerged from the Great Depression and World War II. These formative experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to hard work, modesty, self-reliance, and frugality.

Those values carried into her own home and deeply influenced her children’s upbringing. Kay made their clothes, grew and canned fresh produce, and prepared meals from scratch—ensuring the family never ate anything “out of a box.” Her care was expressed not only through love, but through tireless dedication and example.

After earning an associate degree from Mount Aloysius College in Pennsylvania, where she also played basketball, Kay’s adventurous spirit led her to Washington, D.C. There, she continued her education at Georgetown University, met her future husband, James, and worked at U.S. News & World Report. From that time forward, she maintained an enduring joie de vivre and a deep engagement with the visual arts, classical music, culture, politics, and international affairs. A book was always close at hand—on her bedside table or on her iPad—and she faithfully followed the news through PBS, The New York Times, and the Chicago Tribune. Her fascination with the world made it more hopeful for the rest of us.

Following her marriage, Kay and James settled in Libertyville, Illinois, where they raised their four children. Her kids fondly remember her as an all-star, full-time mother who instilled strong Midwestern values while helping with homework, organizing Girl Scout activities, making costumes for the school musical, and coaching or practicing sports alongside them. She welcomed her children’s friends with open arms, revealing a secret to her enduring youthfulness: throughout her life, she formed deep and lasting relationships with people across generations, including with grandchildren through annual cooking rituals of cookies, carrot cake, mocha cheesecake, and cinnamon rolls. Kay was a master chef and knew how to anchor gatherings with family recipes.

Kay re-entered the workforce later in life but consistently thrived. She worked tirelessly, often holding more than one job while building a successful career in consumer banking. Through dedication and perseverance, she rose to become a personal banker and eventually a branch manager at LaSalle Bank—supporting her family while continuing to invest in her own independence and future.

With each passing decade, Kay grew only more beloved. She possessed an enduring passion for learning, crossword puzzles, traveling the world, friendship, and new experiences. She was deeply present in the lives of those around her, always seeking to build community. She listened attentively, respected differing views, and knew how to disagree without being disagreeable. Her life was principled, disciplined, and richly lived.

Kay was an avid bridge player, a passionate golfer, and a formidable board-game competitor, whether playing Scrabble, Rummikub, Mahjong, or Cribbage, which she took up in her 90s. Even in her later years, as her mobility became more limited, she remained determined to keep her world fresh, dynamic, and expanding—never shrinking.

A memorial service and celebration of Kay’s life will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, Illinois 60030. Charitable contributions in Kay’s honor may be made to the Fremont Township Food Pantry or the Grayslake Library Foundation. For more information, please visit www.strangfuneral.org or call (847) 223‑8122.