Kathleen "Babs" Miller Smith

Kathleen Miller Smith, lovingly known as “Babs,” “Mom,” and “Grammee,” passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a long illness. She was 89 years old.

Born on February 22, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, Kathleen was a woman of strong character and deep compassion. A straight talker with a warm heart, she was always ready to listen and offer wise, thoughtful advice. Her presence brought comfort, honesty, and love to those around her.

Kathleen spent her early years in Chicago and later lived in Beverly, Riverside, and Indian Head Park, Illinois. One of her greatest joys was spending summers in Long Beach, Indiana, along the shores of Lake Michigan, at a cherished family home built by her father in 1936 on Roslyn Trail. There, she formed lifelong friendships and created treasured memories that lasted a lifetime.

She attended Christ the King Catholic School in Beverly and graduated from the Academy of Our Lady, commonly known as Longwood Academy. Kathleen began her studies in nursing at Little Company of Mary Hospital before later pursuing a career in dental assisting, earning her associate degree from the Loyola School of Dentistry.

Kathleen married Richard Smith at the Sacred Heart Basilica on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. He preceded her in death.

In Riverside, Kathleen lived with her mother- and father-in-law, helping to raise her sister-in-law, Patty Smith. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—chocolate sodas at Baskin-Robbins, Fourth of July parades, and fire station water fights. Later, in Indian Head Park, she became an active member of St. John of the Cross Parish, where she volunteered her time leading Christ Renews His Parish groups. She loved her community, especially the neighborhood pool and park, where many of her grandchildren learned to swim.

Kathleen also served her community as an election judge for several years in Indian Head Park, participating in local elections with dedication and pride.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aileen Shannon Miller and Walter J. Miller; her sisters, Aileen Steele and Carole Hanrahan; her brother, Donald Miller; and her husband, Richard Smith.

She is survived by her siblings Walter J. Miller II (Jeanne), Thomas Miller (Patricia), and sister-in-law Mary Sue Miller. Kathleen leaves behind her loving children: Richard (Yvette) Smith, Kathleen (Kenneth) Eslinger, Brian (Wanda) Smith, and Maura (Eli) Tamez.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Claire (Kyle) McWalter, Jayne (Adam) Eslinger, Mary Kate (Jason) Yaukey, Kelly Anne (Taha) Smith, Tiassa Ray, Spencer Ray, Ian Smith, Molly (Jacob) Stubbs, Mia Tamez, Maeve Tamez, Genevieve (Jordan) Graves, Catherine Tamez, and Noah Tamez.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Mara, Jane Josephine born April 28 2026, Seamus, Adam Noor, Tatum, Tianna .True, Savannah, Lochlan,  and  Zemoriah 

Kathleen will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her deep faith and commitment to the Catholic Church, her honesty, and her ability to make everyone feel heard and cared for. Though she is no longer with us, her wisdom, strength, and love will live on in all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Thursday May 7, 2026 from 10am until time of Funeral Mass 11am at St John of The Cross Catholic Church, 5005 S Wolf Rd, Western Springs, IL 60558. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/

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