Kathi Elizabeth Sikora Esqueda passed away on December 14, 2025 at the age of 71. Born on June 22, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, Kathi's life was a testament to her selfless nature and the joy she found in caring for others. She left this world in the comfort of her Oak Park home, surrounded by the love of her family, after a valiant battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Kathi met her husband Bernardo on the campus of University of Chicago in 1971 where they were both studying English literature, and earned her BA in 1975. She and Bernardo married on September 25, 1976 at Unity Temple in Oak Park and decided to settle in the Village.

Her early career saw her excel as an editor at the American Medical Association in downtown Chicago from 1975 to 1980. However, she found her true calling in motherhood and left her job to devote her life to raising her two daughters, Juliann and Hillary, becoming the embodiment of a loving and dedicated stay-at-home mom. However, she also made time to pursue an MBA at Rosary College, now known as Dominican University, graduating in 1984.

Kathi was always an avid reader, and especially loved mysteries. She was well known amongst her family to “ruin” movies, as she could always figure out the endings early on, most impressively calling the ending of The Sixth Sense within the first few minutes of the film. Her love of literature and writing also led her to create “The Irving Illustrated,” a yearly school publication at Washington Irving Elementary featuring work by each attending student which she edited every year, and which continued on after her daughters’ graduated the school.

In 2001, a visit to the Oak Park Economy Shop with her daughters sparked a new chapter in Kathi's life. It was there that she began her journey as a volunteer in the sewing room. Her warmth, diligence, and leadership did not go unnoticed, and over the next 18 years she rose through the ranks to become the Executive Director. Kathi's presence at the Shop became a cornerstone there, where she was adored by volunteers, staff, and patrons for her kindness and commitment.

Kathi's creative spirit was expressed through her hands, as she was an avid crocheter and seamstress. She lovingly crafted countless blankets for new babies and never missed an opportunity to make her daughters' Halloween costumes, often working late into the night to ensure every stitch was perfect. Her passion for teddy bears, and dolls, particularly Barbies, as well as tea sets and miniatures was a charming aspect of her personality, and she had an exquisite eye for antiques. Her impressive collection, which grew during her tenure at the Economy Shop, was a testament to how she saw beauty and value in all things.

Kathi's love will continue to live on in the hearts of her husband, Bernardo, her daughters, Juliann and Hillary, and the countless lives she touched with her joy, humility, wisdom and care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathi's memory to PAWS Chicago: https://shorturl.at/WGxnv

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/kathi-sikora-esqueda/obituary/

Copy