12/19/2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Kathy, a beloved member of the EIU Speech-Language Hearing Clinic family. Kathy was a stroke survivor who attended therapy at our clinic for more than 15 years, and during that time, she became an irreplaceable part of our community.
Kathy was bubbly, personable, and full of joy despite the challenges she faced post-stroke. She greeted everyone with genuine excitement, always eager to talk about upcoming holidays or her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Her warmth was unmistakable—often ending conversations with a heartfelt, “I love you,” a phrase that truly embodied who she was.
Kathy was also an incredibly dedicated and hardworking client. Her commitment to therapy never wavered, and her impact reached far beyond herself. Over the years, Kathy helped shape the clinical education of more than 100 graduate clinicians, offering them invaluable learning experiences, inspiration, and a reminder of why this work matters.
Our deepest condolences go out to Kathy’s family during this difficult time. We hope they find comfort and peace, especially during the holiday season.
Kathy will be deeply missed at the EIU Speech-Language Hearing Clinic. Our halls will be a little less joyous without her weekly visits, but her spirit, kindness, and legacy will always remain with us💙
Obituary link
https://www.markwellfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kathy-simmons-2/obituary
