Kathleen M Hillebrand

Kathleen was born in Christ on August 05, 1940 as Kathleen Marie Shea in the great city of Kansas City, MO. She and her twin were the second and third beautiful daughters of James & Elizabeth Shea. Our Lord called her twin home very early in life, so she never got to know her. She always hoped to meet her in Heaven. Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, James & Elizabeth, and by her grandson Hunter Hillebrand. She is survived by her sister Mary Jo Batliner, her beloved husband of 64 years, William, and her children Marie (Scott) Gorham, Thomas (Dee-An) Hillebrand, Michael Hillebrand, and Maura (Thomas) Brinton, as well as her grandchildren Mitchell (Mikayla) Brinton, Molly Brinton, Rachel Gorham, and Max Hillebrand. Kathleen was very close to her sister Mary Jo, and they grew up in a tight knit Irish Catholic community. Kathleen shared a special bond with her mom “Lil”, and always enjoyed playing ball with “Daddy”. Kathleen attended Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school followed by Bishop Lillis High school. Through Catholic schooling and the guidance of her parents, she was instilled with a deep faith in the Catholic Church, as well as a love of Christ and the Blessed Mother. She nurtured her children in the Faith by raising them in its traditions and beliefs. After graduation she entered the work world and shortly after, while wearing her yellow gingham dress met the future love of her life, William “Bill” Hillebrand. He was smitten with her and they married on June 23, 1962. Through marriage, a zest for life, and love of family she raised four children while living in various households and states. Her many homes were always warm and welcoming with a special touch from all the bargains she found at the Ross department stores. Kathleen was proud to have obtained her Private Pilot License, but she would consider her best accomplishment the raising of her children. She was very thoughtful and generous with her time, and she never met a stranger. Kathleen’s home and heart were open to all. “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” Kathleen was very loved and will be dearly missed. The funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on July 30th at 11:00. Rosary will precede Mass at 10:30.