Kathleen P. Moran, 61, died Monday evening, October 31, 2011, at her home in Trenton, IL, surrounded by her family. She was born August 12, 1950 in St. Louis, MO to George J. Moran and Cecilia (Rogan) Moran, who predeceased her.  She was also preceded in death a brother, William M. Moran. 

Kathleen married James Patrick “Pat” Callahan on August 7, 1976, in Granite City, Illinois, and Pat survives in Trenton.  Kathleen and Pat had three children:  Andrew Callahan and wife Annie of St. Louis, MO; Elizabeth “Lizz” Callahan and fiancé Benjamin Burch of Breese, IL; and Rebecca Callahan and husband Russell Muren of Boulder, CO; and two grandsons, Devin and James.  Kathleen has one surviving brother, George J. Moran of Granite City, Illinois, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. 

Kathleen was a devoted mother and dedicated member of the community. She was involved in Girl Scouts and many school activities for the children, she served on the school board for Wesclin School District, she was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Trenton, IL, and she served on the St. John UCC Church Council. She was also a member of the J.O.Y. Society and a supporter of the Hoyleton Children’s Home through the St. John Quilters.  Kathleen was a long-time member of the Trenton Woman’s Club and various legal and social groups.  Kathleen loved making and doing things for her family and others in the community. She was fast to make friends, quick to find a laugh and always ready to give love.   

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Kathleen was a retired circuit judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Clinton County, Illinois, serving Clinton County and eight other counties in the Fourth Judicial Circuit for 16 years.  Kathleen began her legal career in 1976 as a clerk to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joseph Goldenhersh.  She started her private legal practice in 1977 with her husband in Trenton, Illinois. Kathleen was also a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation headquartered in E. St. Louis, IL for many years. Kathleen believed that justice was to be given equally to all, regardless of their background or life circumstances, and she served with much dignity and respect handling civil cases and giving special attention and care to the most difficult juvenile and family law cases.  Kathleen loved people and believed that everyone needs respect in the judicial system as well as in all of daily life.  Kathleen was a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation headquartered in E. St. Louis, IL for many years.   

Many people both personally and professionally benefitted from Kathleen’s empathetic ear, kind nature and high-quality advice. Her devotion to peace and democracy and her passion for justice was trumped only by her love for her family. She will be dearly missed. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 5, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Trenton, IL, with visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., a memorial service at 3:00 p.m., and a catered dinner thereafter.  Kathleen asked that the dinner be catered so that her church ladies would be able to attend the service, enjoy the dinner, and not have to do the dishes.   

Kathleen’s family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be made to the Land of Lincoln Legal Foundation. Donations will be accepted at the church or through Moss Funeral Home in Trenton who is in charge of the arrangements.