Catherine K. Wilkins nee Leonard, 82; loving mother of Mary; fond Nan of Billy (Nicky) and Joey (Nicole); adored Nanny of Andrew, Olivia, Rocco and Gianna; beloved daughter to the late Catherine nee Heffernan and John Leonard; dearest sister of the late Margaret (late Ralph) Barone, Denis (Bridget), the late Michael (late Geraldine), the late Mary (late Michael) O’Neill, Julia (late Tom) Walsh and the late Ellen O’ Connor; fondest of Aunts to many nieces and nephews.Cathy was born and raised on a farm in Co. Limerick, Ireland. She worked hard night and day on the family farm, which paved the way for the hardworking woman she turned out to be her whole life. She came to the USA when she was 17 years old. Shortly afterwards she started her career at Mars Candy Company. She was very proud of the fact she had worked her way up to becoming a process operator (back then only men had held that position). She was fondly known as “Mama” to many of her co-workers.
Cathy loved traveling the world with her daughter and grandsons and had a special place in her heart for her childhood home in Ireland. She had a heart of gold and always thought about everyone before herself. From morning till evening she was on the go. Whether it was driving friends to appointments, pulling weeds and planting flowers at her daughter’s house, walking dogs for her neighbors, or painting her grandsons basement, she never stopped. She just loved and thrived on helping people. Cathy loved her daughter, grandsons, great-grandchildren (who brought her so much joy), family and friends with all of heart. She was one of a kind and will be missed beyond words.
Funeral Tuesday 9:30 AM from Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. (1/2 Block East of Austin) to St. Beatrice Church. Mass 10 AM. Interment Eden Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation Monday from 3-8 PM.
Dear Mary,
What an amazing person she was and what a remarkable life she lived. I am so lucky that she was part of our family.
Remember your mom will always be with you (in your heart). Your mom was definitely one of a kind.
Dear Mary,
Not sure if you remember me…my Mom, Kitty O’Shea, and your mother were great friends back from MAR’s days. Your mom always made mine laugh! When my Mom had to be in the hospital, your Mom took care of my brothers and me…took us to Burger King for our first fast food dinner and chocolate shakes! Both our Moms were Limerick County strong! 💚 My Mom passed in 2007 and I love to think they are having great craic together again. I am sorry for your loss, and pray wonderful memories ease your sadness.
~Eileen O’Shea Randall
(My brother Pat also worked at MAR’s and is sorry he cannot attend the funeral as he is out of town.)
Dear Mary, not sure if you remember me, but my Mom, Kitty O’Shea, was a good friend of your Mother (MARS). Your Mother always kept my Mom laughing. I remember when my Mom was in the hospital, your Mother took my 3 brothers and me to Burger King…our first fast food experience- those chocolate shakes! My Mom passed in 2007 and I hope the two of them are having great craic together again. Limerick Strong women! I’m sorry for your loss and hope wonderful memories will ease the sadness.
~Eileen O’Shea Randall