Kathleen Joyce Watkins, 79, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

Kathleen was born October 12, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Lawrance) Day. She married Albert Watkins on November 20, 1976, in DeKalb.

Kathleen dedicated her life to community service and education. She began her career as a high school French teacher, inspiring students for many years before transitioning into administration. Passionate about career and technical education, she served for 17 years as the Executive Director of the Kishwaukee Education Consortium. She also proudly served two terms on the Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2025.

Beyond her impactful career, Kathleen was a devoted, generous, and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also an avid sports fan who loved cheering on her alma mater, the NIU Huskies, and was a dedicated supporter of the Bears and Cubs.

Kathleen is survived by her three children: Col. George (Domenica) Watkins and their children, Luc and Aurelia; Dr. Suzanne (Chris) Moyer and their children, Natalie (Sean) Delahunt, Jack, and Ryan; and Dan (Katt) Watkins. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Sophie Delahunt; her brother, Clyde (Karen) Day; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert, and her parents.

The visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Newman Catholic Student Center, 512 Normal Road, DeKalb. The burial will be held on Saturday, July 11, at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathy’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.