Kathleen M. Fordonski

Age 75 of Joliet, passed away peacefully in her home on July 12, 2024, with her loving family by her side; following a valiant battle with small cell lung cancer.

Born July 5, 1949 in Joliet, Kathy was the daughter of Max and Marie (Née Linsky) Deffenbaugh. She was raised in the Joliet area and a graduate of Holy Family Catholic School and St. Francis Academy, Class of 1967. She was honored and humbled to crown the Blessed Mother in May of her senior year of high school. Kathy had a strong devotion to Mary and recited the Rosary every night before she went to sleep. On May 16, 1970, Kathy married Gene Fordonski in Holy Family Catholic Church, Joliet. 

As a certified travel agent and owner of Breakaway Travel, Kathy loved to book trips for many family members and friends; many of which she enjoyed, as well. She loved to visit Arizona, beaches with CiCi and Ally and historical places. She also loved attending Gene, Mike, Sean and Nick’s military and sporting events. 

In their free time, Kathy and Gene went on nine cruises; Jan and Dean in 1990, the Beach Boys in 1995 and Rock-n-Roll in 2020. 

Kathy worked for Heritage Corridor of Joliet and booked events for all the owners, racers/crew members and fans of NHRA and NASCAR events in Joliet, IL. She was instrumental in organizing many Gulf War Troup Support Rallies, the Joliet Welcome Home Christmas Parade on June 14, 1991 and the Fox Family Friend Trust Fund at the William Fox Developmental Center in Dwight, IL. Kathy continuously helped children in need. She donated her beautiful wedding dress to the Angel Gown program in California, which provides an opportunity for babies who have passed to be given a dress created from unique material allowing the child to enter heaven as beautiful angels.

Kathy was a longtime member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and New Lenox American Legion Post 1977 – Women’s Auxiliary. Known as the “Bracelet Lady”, Kathy crafted countless personalized bracelets for veterans and people fighting all types of illnesses. 

Survivors include her devoted husband of 54 years, Gene (Gino); loving son, Michael (Geno) Fordonski; dedicated grandchildren, Cecilia, Sean, Nicholas Fordonski and Allyson Radwan; sisters-in-law, Janice Fordonski and Patricia Deffenbaugh; lifelong friend, Lynda Rohr and many cousins. 

Kathy was preceded in death by her loving son, Sean Fordonski (1985); her parents, Max and Marie Deffenbaugh; her brother, Dennis Deffenbaugh; father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Julia Fordonski; sister-in-law, Marie (Mayfly) Fordonski; her beloved dogs, Ace, White Shadow, Precious Pup, Sarge, Dakota and Henry. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. with prayers in the funeral home chapel, then processing to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 830 Elizabeth Street, Joliet, for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Tomasz Sielicki officiating.

 Kathy will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet, IL. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Kathy’s memory to: 

Fox Family & Friends Trust Funds or Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care – Lightways.org.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.