Katie Verrette, born in Milwaukee on Jan. 16, 1985 to Donald and Paula Verrette, passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2025 in Barrington after an unexpected and brief battle with primary peritoneal cancer.
Katie was a bright and creative individual who graduated from Fremd High School in Palatine in 2003, and then earned a degree in graphic design from Illinois Institute of Art in 2006. She enjoyed basketball, soccer and softball, and her love for the arts was a defining feature of her life.
She had a passion for painting, tattoo design and diamond art, expressing her creativity with a unique, vibrant touch. Katie used her talents for many years as the graphic designer and marketing chair on the board of directors for Music On Stage, a community theater group in Palatine.
Katie worked most of her life in retail customer service and sales. Most of her DVD collection came from store liquidation sales when she worked for Blockbuster. In the 10 years she worked at Old Navy, she rose from a sales associate to product and marketing specialist and then merchandising manager. In 2022, she landed a job with Aircraft Propeller Service in Lake Zurich as the marketing coordinator & product manager.
Katie loved spending time with friends, whether it was out for a night of fun, playing bingo or belting out her favorite tunes at karaoke. She also found joy in being part of a local garden club. Katie had an infectious spirit that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Katie is preceded in death by her mother, Paula Verrette; her grandparents, Mary and Edward Verrette, and Shirley and Frank Lownds; and Aunt Mary Julie, Aunt Donna, Uncle Mark, Uncle Pat, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Joanne. She is survived by her father Donald Verrette; sister Laurie Verrette Taylor; brother-in-law Andrew Taylor; niece Hayley Taylor; and numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the family and friends that stayed at her side in the final weeks, and especially Aunt Marianne and Katie’s closest friend, Chris Entwhistle, for their unwavering support, love, and care during Katie’s final months. Their devotion made her last moments peaceful and surrounded by love.
Katie will always be remembered for her creativity, colorful hairstyles, tattoos and the joy she brought to those around her. So long and thanks for all the fish. She never found her purse. She will be deeply missed.
In memory of Katie, donations may be made to the Human Rights Campaign or Music On Stage, organizations that reflect Katie’s values and passions.
A Celebration of Life will take place on June 21, 2025.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959.