Kathy Salzano, of Elmhurst, passed away on Feb. 3, surrounded by family and friends. She was 57. Born to Jean & Robert Tracy in Texas, Kathy immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. Kathy went on to graduate from York Community High School as an honor student. After graduating from high school, Kathy went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Spanish Linguistics.
Kathy fell in love with teaching and blessed us all with decades of shaping and empowering children and adults alike. She was an ardent activist for social justice, even ran for public office in DuPage County. Besides being a competitive amateur volleyball and card player, gifted guitar player with a beautiful singing voice, and avid juggler, Kathy was a giver, volunteering at Camp One Step for children battling cancer. She lit up our lives with her wit and sense of humor. Actively involved in her church and MUUSA group, she shared much of her wisdom, musical gifts and zest for life and people, and the world a better place for her being in it.
In 1990 she met Antonio in Italy while on her adventures in Europe and the two were inseparable from that point on. Kathy and Antonio were married for more than 30 years and had three amazing children, Stefan, Caterina and Juliana. Kathy was a fiercely dedicated mom to her children, raising all of them to go on to be kind, generous and passionate people. Family came first and was above all else to Kathy, a value she instilled in all those around her. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Antonio, her three children, Stefan, Caterina, and Juliana; her mother, Jean Tracy, father, Robert Tracy, his partner, Carolee Luppino, sister, Cindy Cooper (Lonnie Cooper and nephews, Sean, Ryan, and Jacob Allen), best friend, Deb Briggs who cared for her generously through her battle, and many other loving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy’s name to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at Cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate; or Camp One Step at camponestep.org/donate.
A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. at her church, the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. Details can be found at www.hinsdaleunitarian.org.
