Kathleen Vancauwelaert, 89, of Litchfield, died Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at 6:20 a.m. at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Plummer Funeral Home is serving the family.
Mrs. Vancauwelaert was born May 17, 1934, in West Frankfort, a daughter of Richard and Grace Evelyn (Joplin) Ramsay. She graduated from West Frankfort High School with the Class of 1951. She later attended Lincoln Land Community College and obtained a Degree in Nursing. She and Alberic “Bert” Vancauwelaert, Jr., were married on Oct. 25, 1952, in Piggot, AR. He preceded her in death on Oct. 1, 2016.
Mrs. Vancauwelaert was employed by HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield as a registered nurse in the emergency room. She took great pride in mentoring many members of the St. Francis staff. She enjoyed quilting and sewing, and working puzzles.
Mrs. Vancauwelaert is survived by her two sons, Alberic “Bert” Vancauwelaert of Benton and Dr. Tony (Onofrio Olivadoti) Vancauwelaert of Chicago and one daughter, Kathy (Gary) Rogers of Litchfield; sister, Nancy Ramsay of Litchfield; six grandchildren, Matthew (Kerry) Rinker of Carlinville, Lauren (Jason) Baker of Springfield, Julie Rogers of Bunker Hill, Eric (Shannon) Vancauwelaert of Lake KaHo, Ian Vancauwelaert of Staunton and Colby (Bridget) Vancauwelaert of Boulder, CO; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and close friend, Linda Carroll.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Vancauwelaert was preceded in death by her sisters, Peggy Haenel; Dorothy Mulcahey and Elizabeth Opperman.
The family of Mrs. Vancauwelaert would like to thank the HSHS St. Francis ER nurses, Heather Hayes and Jan Thomack, as well as Mrs. Vancauwelaert’s nephew, Scott Haenel, for taking such good care of her as she transitioned.
Memorials can be made to Mother Jones Cemetery or Hearts United. To sign the online register book, light a virtual candle, or for more information, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
