Obituary of Catherine Shiobhan Vos

CATHERINE “KATE” SHIOBHAN VOS STERLING- Catherine “Kate” Shiobhan Vos, 60, of Sterling, died, Friday, April 16th, 2021 at St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford. Kate was born November 18th, 1960 in Sterling, the daughter of John W. and Jean M. (Vandemark) Hurley. Catherine graduated from Newman Central Catholic High School in 1978. She fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Brian, and married April 1st, 1978. Together they created a wonderful life through faith, grit, and grace. Her greatest joys in life included her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her personal life was filled with reading, flowers, and family. Friends recall her enthusiasm for Longaberger baskets and finding a deal while shopping for under “six dollars”. Whenever someone needed advice or a nurse, she was often the first number dialed. Kate would move mountains to make sure each person had what they needed including quality care. Catherine’s dream was to make a difference in the lives of others through her career as a nurse. She obtained her Associate Degree in Nursing in 1994 at Sauk Valley Community College. In 1995 she completed her Associate of Science Degree from the same institution. She continued her education at Northern Illinois University in 1997 graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree. In 2000 she finished a double master’s degree in Science in Community Health Nursing and Public Health Program Administration from the University of Illinois Chicago. She created a tapestry of her work through nursing and community outreach. In 2001 she served on the Displaced Workers Task Force. Catherine fiercely fought to provide a safe and healthy environment for all affected by the NWSW mill’s closing. She testified in front of a congressional board where there was standing room only. When she finished, she received a standing ovation based on her research and proposal for change in service for the workers and veterans. Catherine served as the program director for Feed the Children summer program, and a board member for the LIFE (Literacy Is Fun for Everyone). At Bethel Reformed church she served as the Parish Nurse. Catherine held a variety of positions during her nursing career. She was a staff nurse, project manager, Consultant for the Whiteside Area County Health Department, grant writer, Medical Records Auditor, and Nursing Instructor at SVCC. Her work was recognized by a number of establishments during the course of her life. In 1994 she received the SVCC Allied Health Recognition Award. In 2002 she was the winner of Student Leader at the University of Illinois in Chicago, Outstanding Community Service Award from the Sterling Chamber of Commerce, and the title of Dona which recognized Outstanding Community Contributions. In 2003, SVCC awarded her as Outstanding Alumna. Survivors include her husband, Brian of Sterling; one daughter, Amy (Michael) Smit of Harrisburg, SD; one son, Bradley (Tara) Vos of Rock Falls; two sisters, Margaret (Xavier) Jiminez of Sterling and Bridget (Don) Conklin of Sterling; three brothers John (Lupe) Hurley of Sterling; Mark (Karen) Hurley of Western Springs and Mike (Linda) Hurley of Rock Falls; five grandchildren, Hailey, Brendan, and Ryleigh Vos and Lily and Kinnick Smit; mother in law, Faye Vos of Sterling; sisters-in-laws, Misty Vos and Lisa (Henry) Lira both of Sterling and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Regina Oltmans, her father-in-law Galen Vos and her brother-in-law Jeff Vos. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM, Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 at Bethel Reformed Church, Sterling with pastor Grant Mulder, officiating. Visitation will be from 9-10:30AM prior to services at the church. Masks are required. Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com She will be incredibly missed by all of those who knew her. We may have lost her here on Earth, but Heaven has gained an amazing angel. We love you Ma.