KATHLEEN ANN ELLIS MAHER, ROCKFORD/ROSCOE – Kathie died peacefully surrounded by her family on June 30, 2026 in Austin, Texas. She lived a meaningful life, dedicated to her three children and the children she taught. She was always guided by her values of kindness, respect, continued learning, and generosity and acted accordingly. Kathie was born on June 18, 1950 in Oak Park, IL to her parents Lucille A. (Clerken) and Thomas J. Ellis, Jr. She was the third of seven children; Maureen (Ellis) Perrin, Thomas Ellis, III, Monica (Ellis) Bernard, Gregory Ellis, Mary Patrice Ellis, and Thereza Ellis. Kathie is a graduate of Mount Assisi Academy in Lemont, Illinois (1968). She earned her degree in Child Development with an Early Childhood endorsement from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 1973, worked at the NIU lab school, and earned her Masters of Science in Special Education in 1978 from NIU.
Kathie raised her three children, Lauren (1978), Edward (1981), and Colleen (1988) in Rockford, devoting constant time and attention to their early development and continued growth and wellbeing. Kathie was a born educator and lover of children and child development. She enjoyed being with others and was such a nurturing presence, selfless, and incredibly generous with her time, presence, and gifts. She was always finding something her kids or grandkids could benefit from and gave freely and lovingly. She taught early childhood at risk and kindergarten in Highland Park and the Rockford Public Schools including Rolling Green, Swan Hillman, Walker, and Riverdahl. She was a member of The Rockford Women’s Club and the Junior League and active in the development of the Discovery Center.
Survived by her children, Lauren (Jared) Fox of Palm Desert, CA; Edward (Anna) Maher of Mahomet, IL; Colleen (Jeremy) Turner of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Gabriella and Vivian Fox, Ainsley, Dorothy, Emily, and Heidi Maher, and Bronson Turner; her siblings and many dear friends.
Predeceased by her parents, her daughter Ryan Kathleen Maher (1987) and niece, Nicole Elizabeth Ellis (2003).
A celebration of Kathie’s life will take place at Anderson Gardens in Rockford on Saturday, October 3rd. To RSVP or be reminded of the event please email kathiescelebrationoflife@gmail.com.
Rather than sending flowers, if you’d like to honor Kathie’s memory, please donate to the Discovery Center in her name.