Kathleen Sue McDermott, age 76, of East Tawakoni, was born on February 26, 1948, in Oak Park, Illinois and the eighth of ten siblings born to Bert and Jeanette Hanson. She had fond memories of serving as a camp counselor in Port Huron, Michigan during her teenage years. Kathleen met the love of her life, Charles Henry McDermott, over Easter break in 1966 and knew from the first date that he was the one for her. They lived in different states, but wrote letters faithfully, even through Chuck’s deployment to Vietnam. They were reunited and married on June 21, 1969, and have never been apart since. She enjoyed playing cards and games. Kathleen taught special education for 21 years, specializing mostly in reading. After her retirement, she fulfilled her dream of living on the lake. They found a perfect spot on Lake Tawakoni, where they could relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and view a perfect sunset. They hosted many holiday parties and summer swims. She loved to read and enjoyed many hours just sitting on the porch with her best friend, Mary Thompson just reading together. She volunteered for her church and her love of reading was extended to others through her many years as a volunteer with the Tawakoni Library. Kathleen achieved many goals during her 76 years, but her proudest accomplishments were her daughters and grandchildren, and she enjoyed spending time with family above all else.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanette and Burt, sisters, Pat, Jackie, Peggy, Mary, and brothers, Bob and John.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years Chuck McDermott of Tawakoni, daughters, Karen Siblik and husband Ron, Mary Nguyen and husband Binh, Patty Openshaw and husband James; grandsons; CJ, Bobby, Logan, Daniel; granddaughters; Autumn, Jordan and sisters, Sharon Keating, Lois Orlick, and Darlene Hanson.
