Katharyn "Kat" Stanish

Katharyn "Kat" Stanish, 28, passed away on Sunday March 29th, 2020 in Chicago, IL after a courageous and tireless battle with addiction for over 14 years. They (preferred pronoun) were born in Libertyville, IL on November 25th, 1991 and grew up in Lake Zurich, IL. A member of the Lake Zurich High School Cross-Country team, Kat graduated from Lake Zurich High School, class of 2010, and was actively working towards an Associate of Arts Degree in anticipation to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy and one day use their creativity and passion to help others in recovery in a therapeutic setting. From a young age Kat was exceptionally artistic and creative and continued to express themself through artwork of drawing and pottery. With a genuine heart and spirit for service and a willingness to help support and empower others, Kat was an active member of many organizations, including Young People of Alcoholics Anonymous (YPAA), Inner Sense Healing Arts Collective (ISHA), and Black and Pink -an organization supporting LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive inmates. As a member of the queer community, Kat was passionate about promoting the respect and equality for people of all demographics. Kat was whole-heartedly committed to recovery and sought refuge in spirituality and yoga practices. When Kat wasn’t at a meeting, teaching recovery yoga, creating art, working part-time serving at Le Pain Quotidien, tutoring pottery and art, bike riding and running, or helping inmates get back on their feet, Kat could be found in nature and spending quality time with loved ones. Kat was an incredible and loving support to family, friends and community members and had an extraordinary energy and heart that was truly heart-warming and special. Anyone that knew Kat was always touched by their gentle and loving kindness and goofy humor. Kat will be deeply missed and cherished by so many, but Kat’s light, love and beauty will continue to inspire those whose lives Kat so beautifully touched.

Beloved daughter of Michael (Sheilah) and Larissa Kleronomos; loving sister of Natalie Stanish and John (Elizabeth) Belcher; dear niece of Mark (Maggie) Stanish and the late Donna Stanish; fond granddaughter of the late Albert and Nina Stanish and Lubov Babeno; cherished step daughter of the late Janet Stanish; fond cousin of Jeff (Kay) Stanish, Jeffery Jr., Joey, Cameron and Madeleine; dear aunt of Bennett Belcher.

Due to present day health concerns, all services are private. There will be a memorial service scheduled at a later date upon cancellation of state and local restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Inner Sense Healing Collective Arts (ISHA) (please put in link to website--- https://www.innersensehealingarts.org/donate) and Black and Pink (website link ---- https://www.blackandpink.org/donate ). Please click below to offer a message of condolences to the family and sign the online guest book.