Funeral Details

Katherine Pasquith nee McDonough, 75, passed away on September 22 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Beloved wife of Harry David Pasquith, mother of Vincent Christopher Damiano (Jennifer), Joshua Pasquith (Natalie), Christy Holley (Dave), grandmother to Halas, Jules, Lexy, Lilian, and Matthew, great-grandmother to Harper, sister to Thomas McDonough (Michelle), Vincent McDonough (Victoria) and Mary Ellen McDonough Trybulec (Joseph).

Kate was born in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago to Vincent McDonough and Della Fergus, surrounded by a large Irish American extended family. She spent early days at the St. Vincent DePaul Settlement House nursery school, attended St. Clement grade school and graduated from St. Michael’s High School, weaving a trove of memories throughout with her siblings and close-knit group of cousins.

She later married Dominic Damiano and gave birth to their son Christopher, whom she doted on and adored with every fiber of her being. Her adventures in Naperville with her “Chrissy” and Tork the Weimaraner remain legendary.

When her marriage ended, Kate re-entered the workforce and pursued many passions, first with the College of DuPage, then the Literacy Council of Chicago, and finally with the Art Institute of Chicago. Working as the assistant to directors James N. Wood and James Cuno, Kate loved all the behind-the-scenes actions at the museum, especially seeing the work of the conservators and curators. She was especially proud to have provided support for the construction and opening of the Modern Wing, which was the largest expansion in the museum’s history. Kate retired happily, knowing that Picasso’s Old Guitarist and Chagall’s America Windows were properly situated in their new home.

Kate’s biggest adventure came when she fell in love with “Captain” Dave Pasquith, who swept her off her feet. They blended their families together in a three-flat on Diversey Parkway, next door to her mother, Della, and sandwiched above and below by their sons, Chris and Josh. Together, they enjoyed years of laughter and memories in that space, including many holiday “after” parties, Saturday errands with Della, and the shenanigans of their two sons as they paved their way into adulthood. Eventually, Kate and Dave retired to their dream home in South Haven, Michigan, where they enjoyed a life in their farmhouse, surrounded by nature and a community of dear friends. “Captain” was her rock and her champion, and she loved him through thick and thin.

Kate had a special relationship with each of her siblings. With Mary, always united as Della’s girls, they shared the joys and challenges of dutiful daughterhood. Tom was her consummate pen pal with whom she shared a love of Irish poetry and literature. And Vince, her sibling closest in age and temperament, was her co-conspirator and best friend.

Kate had the soul of an artist. She was a gifted writer, a voracious reader, and had an impeccable eye for interior design. She loved spicy food and swear words. Halloween. Yeats, Capote, Ronstadt, O’Keefe. Motown sing-alongs, gardening, and cooking. Children and elders (especially the mischievous ones). Dogs of any shape and size. Underdogs in every walk of life.

Above all else, Kate enjoyed the simple pleasure of being with loved ones. Nothing was better than a room full of people she adored, swapping stories and endless laughter, whether on family vacations with Vince and Vicki, sailing excursions with Captain, South Haven Halloween parties, or watching history repeat itself (in the best way) through her grandson, Halas.

Some knew her as Kathy. Others as Kate, but she acquired many other nicknames over the years, including Sissy, Katherine with a K, Dono, The Witch, Snow White, and The Wolverine – this last one coined by her father in reference to her razor-sharp tongue that could cut you off at the knees with a single turn of phrase – a weapon she kept well-honed throughout her life. And, once you got past the sting, a weapon that kept you laughing from the irony of it all (and left you with a good story for the next gathering).

Kate was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tom, who were surely first in the line of ancestors to welcome her to the other side, along with her pack, Gus, Wednesday, Tork, Bull McCabe, and Walter.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 3rd from 4-8pm at Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL, and a funeral mass at St. Clement Church on Friday, October 4th at 12pm. A celebration of life will also be held in South Haven Michigan in the coming weeks, date TBD.

In remembrance of Kate’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nationalbreastcancer.org/).