Catherine Marie Hansen

Catherine "Kate" or "Kathy" Hansen, 73, of Mokena passed away on March 19, 2026. Finally on time for something in her life! And just got her hair done the day before.

Born May 11, 1952, in Sheboygen, Wisconsin, to Emmet and Inez Costello. Kate grew up in Chicago before making her way to Mokena in 1975. Where she became a permanent and unforgettable part of the community. Living with spina bifida, she navigated life first on crutches and later in a wheelchair. Anyone who knew her will tell you she moved through the world faster, bolder, and with more purpose than most people on legs.

Kate spent over 30 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of Illinois including the Tinley Park Mental Health Hospital. Where she didn't just do a job, she showed up for people. She believed in people, fought for people, and if necessary, bent a rule or two for people. Because to Kate, doing what was right always mattered more than doing what was easy.

A proud and devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church for over 50 years, Kate lived her faith not quietly, but actively. She volunteered at the library, gave whatever she had to anyone who needed it, and somehow managed to volunteer her children right along with her. If there was a cause, a need, or a person struggling, Kate was already on her way. Likely running late, but absolutely showing up.

She was a single mother to Christopher, Megan, and Mark, and a second mom to many more.

Her greatest title in life was Mom and Grandma, roles she held fiercely, proudly, and happily.

Kate earned her Master's degree at the age of 50, proving to everyone that timelines are suggestions, not rules.

She loved White Zinfandel and bad jokes she could never quite remember the punch line. She could be found cruising the neighborhood in her wheelchair with a backpack full of wine with her treasured friend Judy in tow.

She was known for being late, for laughing loudly, for helping endlessly, and for loving people exactly as they were. She defined inclusiveness before it was a buzzword. Everyone belonged with Kate.

Kate is survived by her children Christopher Hansen, Megan (Eric) Wagner, and Mark Hansen; her grandchildren Corissa (Brice) Haselhorst, Lucymay Hansen, Samantha Hansen, Grace Hansen, Thomas Hansen, Delia Wagner, Emma Wagner, and Sophie Wagner; and proudly her great-grandson Lincoln Haselhorst. She is also survived by her siblings Sean (Trish) Costello and Claire Costello. Sister Julie Harmon & Aunt Bernadette Berk. And many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Emmet and Inez Costello, and her brothers Michael, Mark, and Timothy Costello.

If there is any comfort in her passing, it is this: Katie is now with all 10 toes, probably telling a joke she forgot the punchline to, and finally, blissfully, bra free!

Visitation will be held

Friday at 3:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home in Mokena. Services will take place on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Mokena, with burial & lunch to follow to celebrate Kate's wonderful life.

In true Kate fashion, show up as you are, come a little late if you must, and if you bring a glass of White Zinfandel, she would absolutely approve.

Memorial donations may be made in Catherine's name to any charity that helps others, because that is exactly what she would do. ☘️☘️☘️☘️