On Saturday December 28th 2024, Katie Maureen Mabus Shawke of Prospect Heights peacefully passed away in her home in Arlington Heights at the age of 44. Katie will be deeply missed and is survived by her husband and  soulmate of 20 years, Thomas Shawke. Beloved stepchildren Katy and Billy Shawke; and her loyal and cherished sweet companion pup Louie who was such a comfort and joy to her; her sisters Vanessa Leitza and Elaine Lawther and brother Joe Mabus; many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many close loving friends. Katie was preceded in death by her father Joseph C Mabus; mother Maureen Matheson; grandparents Norman and Theresa Mabus, Sylvia and Stanley Matheson; Mother in Law Nancy Shawke; and Aunts Nora and Diane.

Katie served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5) as a Boatswain's Mate achieving the rank of E-3. Katie was an avid traveller and snorkeler visiting just about all of the Caribbean and Hawaii, finding so much pleasure in new adventures. Katie loved the beach, the sun, sun tanning, swimming and all things outdoors. Katie lived for her family and had a fiery passion for all things food, candy, new recipes or to create one of her own.

There are no words to describe how deeply her shining spunky light on earth will be missed.

Katie's celebration of life will be on January 10, 2025. Memorial services begin at 10 am, with an 11am Mass at St Alphonsus Liguori Church: 411 N. Wheeling Rd in Prospect Heights. A live streaming of her service will be available to those unable to join in person. Shortly thereafter, a military funeral will be held at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, around 12:45 pm.

The Mabus family welcomes all who would like to gather and celebrate her life, the same evening of the 10th at her brother, Joe Mabus' home. Contact the family directly if you are able to attend and for the address.