Funeral Details

Kathleen Michaela Snee Giles was born on September 5, 1941, at Fort Benning in Georgia and grew up in Vineland, New Jersey. She passed away peacefully in her home on September 6, 2026. She and her late brother, James Snee, were the children of Catherine Clarke Carey and Col. James W. Snee. She was the beloved wife of the late James Giles. She is survived by her daughters, Susan, Ann, and Nancy, and five grandchildren.

Kathleen will be dearly missed by her family and friends for her generosity, intellect, and warmth. She had many dear friends and cousins. Even in the face of considerable challenges, she remained dignified, optimistic, and engaged in the world around her. She was a fiercely strong woman and a feminist who remained committed to progressive causes throughout her life.

Kathleen graduated from Caldwell College in 1963 with a major in social studies. She then dedicated her life to the field of education, working first as a substitute teacher in public schools in New York City, as an elementary teacher, then as a superintendent in the Holmdel, New Jersey public schools. She earned a Master of Education and a Doctor of Education from Rutgers University, in 1979 and 1989, respectively. She held numerous certificates, including teaching students with disabilities, reading specialist, and principal. She was the site coordinator for the Center for Talented Youth, established by Johns Hopkins University. When the family moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1988, she became Head of Middle Grades at Summit School, where she worked until her retirement. Following her retirement, the family had moved to Chicago, and she came to join them. She took a position as adjunct faculty at Columbia College for many years, where she taught reading and writing.

Kathleen and James were dedicated grandparents who loved to take their grandchildren to the zoo and Chicago museums. They loved and supported their children and grandchildren unconditionally and in extraordinary ways.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, Kathleen requests a donation be made to Care for Real to help secure food for children and families in Chicago.

Arrangements by Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.654.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com

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