Kathy Kopelousos
Grafton |
Kathy Kopelousos watched her last sunset on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, peacefully on her deck overlooking the river. She succumbed to a six-year, hard-fought battle with endometrial cancer.
Born in Gainesville, FL, on November 2, 1962, Kathy's love for life and family was evident in everything she did. A proud Gator, she attended the University of Florida from 1980 to 1983, and her devotion to her alma mater never waned. Her Gator flag flew high during college football season, and her fall parties for the Florida-Georgia game were legendary.
Kathy later moved to Illinois, where she obtained both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She dedicated over two decades to teaching as a math professor at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, IL, from 1996 until her retirement in 2018. Her passion for teaching and her students was matched only by the joy she found in her family and friends. Kathy remained in Illinois after retirement, enjoying the amazing friendships and connections she had developed over the years in the area.
Kathy's life was rich with love and connection. She was the ultimate big sister to her five siblings and an amazing aunt to all of her nieces and nephews, always sending care packages or super cute, hand crafted, home made cards for special occasions—or just because. Her love for poker led her to start the cherished tradition of “family poker – no pennies on the table” at every gathering. Her local poker family was an immense support during her battle with cancer, and no matter how tough her day was, she always rallied for her weekly games.
Anna Maria Island, Florida, held a special place in Kathy's heart. She spent countless hours walking the beach in search of elusive shark’s teeth that seemed to magically appear for only Kathy, enjoying a burger at Duffy’s Tavern, or challenging locals to poker at Decoy Ducks. These simple pleasures defined the essence of who Kathy was—a lover of life’s small joys, shared with those she cared about.
Kathy is survived by her mother, Mary Katherine Wainwright of Sarasota, FL; her father and stepmother, John and Ann Kopelousos of Jacksonville, FL; her sisters Angela Black (husband Bill), Georgia Kopelousos, and Mary Margaret Estill (husband Robert); her brothers G. John Kopelousos (wife Shannon) and Leslie Alderman (wife Ghita); and her beloved nieces and nephews—George, John, Anna, Caroline, Ellie, and Nina. Kathy also had a special bond with Ashtyn Britt, of whom she was very fond.
Kathy’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and resilience. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date in honor of Kathy and all that knew her will be invited to attend.
As much as Kathy loved flowers and cards, we know she would be smiling down if you would simply make a donation to a cause that was near and dear to her heart. The St. Louis Peregrine Society is dedicated to improving the life of cancer patients living in the greater St. Louis area. https://peregrinesoc.org/donation/
Gent Funeral Home in Alton, IL is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
Gent Funeral Home
