Kathleen Mcelyea

Kathleen M. McElyea, 78, of Geneseo died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Geneseo. Cremation rites will be accorded. Private inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. There are no public services. Stackhouse-Moore Funeral Services, Geneseo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kathleen Rawdin was born Dec. 3, 1931 in Strasburg, IL the daughter of Adolph and Ethel Maye (Craig) Rawdin. Kathleen graduated from Geneseo High School in 1949. She married Bill Collins in 1950 in Geneseo. She later married Paul McElyea on Oct. 23, 1976 in Zion, IL. He survives. Kathleen worked various jobs until becoming a professional florist in 1966. She later went to work as a documentation specialist at Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago until retiring in 1983.

Memberships include First Presbyterian Church, Geneseo, and Christian Motorcyclists Association. She enjoyed crocheting and reading.

Survivors include her husband, Paul, son Randall Collins, Seattle, WA, daughter, Kathleen Collins, Los Angeles, CA, stepdaughter, Susan Clare, Gurnee, IL stepson, Jon (Karen) McElyea, Beach Park, IL; eleven grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a step-son.