Katherine Maca Obituary

Katherine Gail Maca (Dunne) died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, November 28th, in LaGrange Park, Illinois, at the age of 79. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Paul. She is survived by daughters Katherine Mangan (Casey) of Barrington, Illinois, Marjorie Surpless (James) of Northfield, Illinois, and Sarah Maca (Alex Alimanestianu) of Larchmont, New York; grandchildren Mallory, Trey, Patrick, Charlotte, Eric and Henry; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Doug Weart, and their children; brother-in-law Allan Maca, Sr. and nephew Allan Maca, Jr. Gail, as she was fondly known, was born at Fort Lewis, Washington, and attended the University of Tennessee and later the University of Arizona, where she received her Bachelors degree and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Upon graduation and marriage, she and Paul moved to Western Springs where they lived for more than 50 years until moving to Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park last year. She devoted her life to volunteerism and compassionately helping others. She served on the boards of Community Nurse Health Associates, Plymouth Place and the West Suburban Girl Scout Council, and countless other organizations benefited from her enthusiasm and leadership skills. In addition, Gail happily dedicated hours in volunteer work for the Robert Crown Center, and, of course, her beloved church, the First Congregational Church of Western Springs. Always curious and a life long learner, Gail thrived on intellectual pursuits and games from crossword puzzles to bridge to gin rummy, challenging Paul and her grandchildren alike. Among the passions she instilled in her children and grandchildren were her love for reading and music. Gail and Paul traveled frequently, and shared a love for Mexico, Tucson and above all, their summer home on Long Lake in Wisconsin. In her spare time, Gail enjoyed golf at the Hinsdale Golf Club, spending time with the Tri-Delta Alumnae, the Village Gardeners of Hinsdale, the Hinsdale Book Study Club and the IT of Western Springs. An avid sports fan, Gail spent years cheering on the Bears with Paul, from their seats at Soldier Field, and then in the stands rooting for all of the grandchildren at their own sporting events. Her family will remember her for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, intelligence and devotion to her family, friends and community. Words cannot express how much she will be missed. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 21st at 10:30 am at the First Congregational Church of Western Springs, 1106 Chestnut Street, in Western Springs (708-246-1900). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the First Congregational Church of Western Springs, or the Community Nurse Health Association, 23 Calendar Avenue, LaGrange, Illinois 60525 or www.communitynurse.org.