Kathleen Mary Jennings
December 31, 1960 - May 17, 2026
Obituary
LIVESTREAM SERVICE:
Kathy's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”
MIDDLETON - Kathleen Mary "Kathy" Jennings, a woman whose life was defined by an unwavering devotion to her family and a heart full of compassion, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love she so freely gave, on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
For Kathy, family wasn't just a part of life; it was her entire world. She found her greatest joy in simple moments spent together, whether it was sharing a laugh or quietly sitting with those she held dear. In recent years, Kathy dedicated herself to the care of her mother, Joan, a testament to her nurturing spirit and loyalty. When she wasn't attending to the needs of others, Kathy enjoyed the quiet thrill of a good mystery on television. Though she always dreamed of walking the green hills of Ireland, she carried the spirit of the Emerald Isle in her heart, finding comfort in the melodies of Irish music that reminded her of her heritage.
Kathy's legacy of love continues through her devoted mother, Joan McCauley. She is survived by her siblings, Denise Jennings and Linda Rylander. She was a guiding light to those she raised and mentored, including her beloved nephew, Frederic (Katelynn) Hewitt; her special niece, Stephanie (Todd) Williams; and great niece, Gracelyn, whose dedicated care and support during Kathy's end-of-life journey provided immense comfort. Kathy is further survived by her stepbrothers and sisters, Vicky McCauley, Daniel (Midge) McCauley, Bradford (Ginger) McCauley and Connie (Dale) McGinnis; her aunts and uncle, Richard and Kathy Ewers and Pat Dutt; her dear cousin, Margaret Steel; and her lifelong friend, Jeanne Leahy. Her memory will also be cherished by a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Barnard McCauley; brother-in-law, Russell Rylander; stepbrothers and sisters, Gerald McCauley and Barnard McCauley, Jr., and his wife, Eileen McCauley; uncle, Vikram Dutt; as well as her aunt, Betty Hynek.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that tributes be made in Kathy's name to Agrace HospiceCare, whose support was invaluable.
"l will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761