KATHRYNE ANN NISWONGER

Born: September 2, 1976, Seoul, South Korea

Died: April 19, 2023, Shorewood, IL

Kathryne Ann Niswonger passed away peacefully in the arms of her Lord on April 19, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving parents Billie and Bill Niswonger after a courageous 14-year battle with cancer. She was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Joliet and will be missed by many.

At the tender age of 7 months, Kate was chaperoned on a 5,000-mile journey from Seoul, South Korea and arrived on Thursday, April 28, 1977, at O'Hare International Airport where she was placed into the loving arms of her new parents, Bill and Billie Niswonger.

Kate was a giving person in all aspects of her life and had a particular passion for the arts whether it be painting, singing, dancing, or stage. Also, her poetry revealed the deep sense of love and passion she exhibited throughout her life. During her time at Joliet West High School, she was a member of their popular "Joliet West Swing Choir" and performed in numerous high school musicals. She then attended St. Francis University and specialized in special education.

Kate always exhibited a passion for helping others, especially children who were mentally challenged or autistic, and her love for children was never more evident than when she spoke about her two nephews Joel and Justin.

One of her primary disappointments in life was not being able to obtain a state organ donor listing because of her cancer diagnosis. However, she was able to obtain approval for donating her eye corneas. This wish has now been fulfilled.

Her love of family and the close friendships she formed throughout her life were her most cherished possessions. Yet her love for her furry canine pet friends throughout the years, including Maggie, Annie, Libby, Paddy, and Emily Grace should not be forgotten. Kate is survived by her loving parents Billie and Bill Niswonger; brother Joel Aaron Niswonger II; sister Amy (Craig) Chieppa; nephew Joel Aaron Niswonger III and nephew and godson Justin Andrew Niswonger and godparents Charles and Barbara Kabot of Rochester, NY. Visitation will be held at the Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet, Il, from 4-8 P.M on Friday May 5th. Memorial services will be held at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 353 North Midland Ave., Joliet, IL on Saturday May 6th at 11:00 A.M.

Donations may be made to either Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church (http://www.faithjoliet.org/) The American Cancer Society (https://raiseyourway.donor.drive.com/campaign/kathryne-ann-niswonger) or Lightways Hospice (https://lightways.org/donate/). The Niswonger family would like to offer a special thank you to the Lightways hospice team that helped for all their caring assistance during this most trying time.

The Niswonger family would also like to recognize both Dr. Ellen Gustafson and Dr. Sarah Jeong, two highly skilled oncologists that ministered to Kate's complicated medical needs over a 14-year period. Kate knew they both did everything medical science could provide to meet her needs, and the personal relationship she established with each physician was very gratifying to her. The Niswonger family would also like to thank special hospice nurse, Jen Schuh, for the special care she provided Kate during Kate's final days.

Kate was a very special person who had a sensitivity and passion for life. She followed her heart and always gave of herself to others. She will be missed by all. She is together again with her beloved dogs. But we must remember her star now shines brightly in Heaven as she rests among the angels.