I remember talking with Kathy about her ALS diagnosis and about her father's failing health. Despite all these difficult situations, Kathy never ceased to smile and praise God. Even when she was faced with so many burdens, she continually asked about how she could pray for my family. Her generous, sweet, loving spirit touched everyone around her. My son, Emmanuel, was 3 years old when he met Kathy. Even he could detect that she was not physically well and his heart was moved to pray for her during our bedtime routine. One day I told him that Kathy had told me that she prays for him and his baby sister, Veroncia, too, and he remarked,"She's so nice to pray for us even when she's sick." I hope that both my children will learn to love like Kathy loved. I will continue to remind them about her so that as they grow up, they will never forget that they were blessed to know a living saint. Kathy truly was a holy woman of prayer and is now a saint smiling upon us from Heaven.
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Kathy was born on December 3, 1966, in Chicago, the daughter of John Chao-Kun and Dorothy (Shin) Ting. She married Dean H. Kim on August 3, 1996, in Urbana. He survives.
She is also survived by her mother and brother, Peter (Jennifer Lizaso) Ting, all of Chicago. She was preceded in death by her father.
Kathy initially worked as a Lab Technician for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Champaign. After moving to Peoria, she worked as a Research Assistant at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria and as a Sales Associate for Bergner’s at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie.
Kathy faithfully attended Northwoods Community Church in Peoria. Diagnosed with ALS in February 2012, she continued to praise her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Kathy blessed everyone with her smile each day throughout her ordeal, constantly providing inspiration with her strength and her kindness. She was much loved and admired and will be missed.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2013, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, with Pastor Jeffrey Leeman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be at Historic Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Kathy’s name to the ALS Association.
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Latest Memories
| Joan | Woman of Prayer | August 15, 2013 |
| Virginia Wiley | My memories of Kahy Kim | July 1, 2013 |
Kathy was such a joy to know and my most precious friend. Kathy was kind, loving, thoughtrul who showed such love to her special husband, Dean. I could tell that by all the endearing terms she called him. It was so touching to me to hear how she talked to him. After her ALS progressed, she confided that she did not want to leave Dean. I told her it was beautiful to behold Dean's total love and devotion towards her, as he cared for her.
A precious memory of Kathy was when she asked me to be her maid of honor. She was a stunningly beautiful bride. kathy and Dean's wedding day was very happy and joyful day, as Dean celebrated their wedding and start of their new life, together.
Another special memory was when she came to be with me when my precious mother was close to passing and stayed for the last two days of my mother's life. It meant so much to me because I am an only, and if she was not there, I would have been all alone because my relatives lived far away.
Another memory are Kathy's notes and cards she would send to me. They would come when I really needed them and they would lift my spirit.
Kathy's character was noticeable always. An example was when her father had a massive stroke. She would visit him daily even though she was battling ALS at the same time. She told me every time she went to see her father, she would fall trying to visit him but she still kept going. It was amazing to me that she kept visiting her father when she was struggling with her ALS, but that was typical of Kathy because Kathy loved her father so much. That showed me who Kathy was and what her character was.
Perhaps my most special memory was Kathy asking me to pring her favorite scriptures on index cards and mail them to her, which I did in July. Several months ago her condition had severely declince, so I would read the scriptures to her over the phone. Reading the scripture were a blessing to me as they encouraged me as much as they did Kathy. It gave me such joy to be her honored friend entrusted to read her favorite scriptures as she dealt with her ALS
On my last visit to see her on May 29th, her condition had rapidly declined but she still had her beautiful smile. I do not know how she coped with ALS, but she did it with such grace and true courage. Kathy lived with ALS trusting Jesus every day and it was miraculous to behold. I was able to tell her "she was my forever friend" and Kathy smiled her beautiful smile.
Kathy lived a Christian faith with true love for her family and friends. I truly loved her and will miss her very much. She was an angel sent to me from Jesus. What a treasure Kathy was!!!.
My heart is broken because Kathy is gone from my earthly like but I am looking forward to being reunited with Kathy in heaven
A precious memory of Kathy was when she asked me to be her maid of honor. She was a stunningly beautiful bride. kathy and Dean's wedding day was very happy and joyful day, as Dean celebrated their wedding and start of their new life, together.
Another special memory was when she came to be with me when my precious mother was close to passing and stayed for the last two days of my mother's life. It meant so much to me because I am an only, and if she was not there, I would have been all alone because my relatives lived far away.
Another memory are Kathy's notes and cards she would send to me. They would come when I really needed them and they would lift my spirit.
Kathy's character was noticeable always. An example was when her father had a massive stroke. She would visit him daily even though she was battling ALS at the same time. She told me every time she went to see her father, she would fall trying to visit him but she still kept going. It was amazing to me that she kept visiting her father when she was struggling with her ALS, but that was typical of Kathy because Kathy loved her father so much. That showed me who Kathy was and what her character was.
Perhaps my most special memory was Kathy asking me to pring her favorite scriptures on index cards and mail them to her, which I did in July. Several months ago her condition had severely declince, so I would read the scriptures to her over the phone. Reading the scripture were a blessing to me as they encouraged me as much as they did Kathy. It gave me such joy to be her honored friend entrusted to read her favorite scriptures as she dealt with her ALS
On my last visit to see her on May 29th, her condition had rapidly declined but she still had her beautiful smile. I do not know how she coped with ALS, but she did it with such grace and true courage. Kathy lived with ALS trusting Jesus every day and it was miraculous to behold. I was able to tell her "she was my forever friend" and Kathy smiled her beautiful smile.
Kathy lived a Christian faith with true love for her family and friends. I truly loved her and will miss her very much. She was an angel sent to me from Jesus. What a treasure Kathy was!!!.
My heart is broken because Kathy is gone from my earthly like but I am looking forward to being reunited with Kathy in heaven
| Dwight Schwartz | memories of Kathy | June 18, 2013 |
Dear Dean,
I was saddened to receive the news of Kathy's passing.
My memories of Kathy are of her ever-present smile and consistently cheerful demeanor. I am praying that the peace of our Lord will guard your heart and mind as you adjust to this tremendous loss.
your brother in Christ,
Dwight
I was saddened to receive the news of Kathy's passing.
My memories of Kathy are of her ever-present smile and consistently cheerful demeanor. I am praying that the peace of our Lord will guard your heart and mind as you adjust to this tremendous loss.
your brother in Christ,
Dwight
| Mia Kim | Memories of Kathy | June 16, 2013 |
Kathy,
I will remember your sensitive, caring nature. I will always remember when after I became unemployed, you mailed me a card to encourage me that I would soon get back on my feet. It was a cute one too, of Snoopy. I was very touched that you reached out to me during a low point in my life and expressed faith in me when I was full of self-doubt.
I also remember your love of and enthusiasm for Beanie Babies.
One Christmas, when Mee Rhan and I visited Peoria, you received the light blue bear with the white snowflake pattern as a gift (I believe from Mee Rhan. I forget the bear's name. I'm sure you remember his name 
), and really liked him. It was cute to see you move him around your then apartment, adding warmth and coziness to whichever room we could see him.
I am sad that you have left us but at the same time am reassured that you are in a better place with God, and a blessing to everyone there.
I will remember your sensitive, caring nature. I will always remember when after I became unemployed, you mailed me a card to encourage me that I would soon get back on my feet. It was a cute one too, of Snoopy. I was very touched that you reached out to me during a low point in my life and expressed faith in me when I was full of self-doubt.
I also remember your love of and enthusiasm for Beanie Babies.
One Christmas, when Mee Rhan and I visited Peoria, you received the light blue bear with the white snowflake pattern as a gift (I believe from Mee Rhan. I forget the bear's name. I'm sure you remember his name ), and really liked him. It was cute to see you move him around your then apartment, adding warmth and coziness to whichever room we could see him. I am sad that you have left us but at the same time am reassured that you are in a better place with God, and a blessing to everyone there.
| David Zietlow | Brother in Christ | June 15, 2013 |
Katherine:
Your smile during your last days was amazing! What a testimony it gave to those of us who witnessed it. Joy in the midst of trial.
David
Your smile during your last days was amazing! What a testimony it gave to those of us who witnessed it. Joy in the midst of trial.
David
Latest Condolences
| Chuck and Chris Murphy | Friends from Grace Presbyterian Church | June 19, 2014 |
Dear Dean,
Chuck and I have enjoyed getting to know you these past few months. Your stories of Kathy and her courage have been a blesssing to us. Your positive outlook in all of lifes trials has encouraged me to try to be more that way. Kathy was very blessed to have you as her husband and I'm sure she knew that. God bless you as you move on without your precious Kathy. We all have to live now with this big empty hole in our hearts, but I know God will enable us to do this. See you soon,
Chuck and Chris
Chuck and I have enjoyed getting to know you these past few months. Your stories of Kathy and her courage have been a blesssing to us. Your positive outlook in all of lifes trials has encouraged me to try to be more that way. Kathy was very blessed to have you as her husband and I'm sure she knew that. God bless you as you move on without your precious Kathy. We all have to live now with this big empty hole in our hearts, but I know God will enable us to do this. See you soon,
Chuck and Chris
| Joan | Praying for you | August 15, 2013 |
Dear Dean,
We were deeply touched by Kathy's faith, strength, and selfless love of everyone around here. We mourn with you but we also celebrate in knowing that Kathy smiles upon us from Heaven.
Keeping you in your prayers,
Joan, Jack, Emmanuel, and Veronica
We were deeply touched by Kathy's faith, strength, and selfless love of everyone around here. We mourn with you but we also celebrate in knowing that Kathy smiles upon us from Heaven.
Keeping you in your prayers,
Joan, Jack, Emmanuel, and Veronica
| Karen K | Deepest Condolence | July 16, 2013 |
Kathy had one of the most beautiful souls of anyone I have ever met. She thought of others alot and tried to do her best to help anyone in need. She was simply a very kind and loving person. I know it was hard for her when her dad passed. She is at peace and with him now. That ALS took her so fast is just tragic. She held up to it's ravages with courage and grace.
My deepest condolences to her family.
Karen
My deepest condolences to her family.
Karen
| Lee Ann Kelly | sister in Christ | July 10, 2013 |
I felt so privileged to visit Kathy when she was homebound with ALS. Kathy couldn't speak much yet she communicated beautifully; I learned so much about God's grace and the value of faith in hard times by watching Kathy and Dean. In the midst of the inexplicable, Kathy and Dean affirmed God's goodness and that was a testimony that will stay with me. Am so sorry for your loss. Peace.
| Dave Miller | Condolence | June 28, 2013 |
Dean,
I was so sorry to hear this sad news. I remember meeting and visiting with Kathy when you first came to Bradley. I think it was at one of the Fall Picnics. My impression of her was that she was a smart, warm and caring person. How fortunate you were to have been a part of her life! Always keep good memories of her close, so that when you think of her you will smile!
Dave
I was so sorry to hear this sad news. I remember meeting and visiting with Kathy when you first came to Bradley. I think it was at one of the Fall Picnics. My impression of her was that she was a smart, warm and caring person. How fortunate you were to have been a part of her life! Always keep good memories of her close, so that when you think of her you will smile!
Dave
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