Katie (Kathryn) Meigs Macaulay, 42

Katie (Kathryn) Meigs Macaulay, 42, died peacefully in her Crystal Lake home with her family beside her on Feb. 15, 2023. 

Katie was born Oct. 12, 1980, to parents David and Margaret (Peggy) Burda. Raised in Palatine, Ill., she enjoyed spending time at her family’s cottage on Lauderdale Lakes in Wisconsin, skiing, traveling, and spending time with friends. She was a graduate of Palatine High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an education degree from Illinois State University, and a master’s degree in education.

After college she began teaching social studies at Woodstock High School. There she met her husband, Bill, also from Palatine, who taught in the classroom next door. They married at Christ Lutheran Church on Aug. 9, 2008. 

Katie was a selfless wife and mother of two daughters, Caitlyn (12) and Bridget (9). She enjoyed planning Disney trips for her family and organizing activities for her beloved girls. She taught them to be courteous and loving. Her family and friends were regularly wowed by the effort and detail she put into small gifts and other personalized acts of kindness. The courses she taught at WHS were considered among the most rigorous and rewarding in the school. She expected the best of herself and those around her, including her students.

Katie is survived by her parents, husband, and daughters; grandmother, Barbara Kay Burda; sister, Erin Langer (Adam); brother, Jeff (Emmi); nephews, Andrew, Nolan, and Wesley Langer; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

“Ohana means family, and family means nobody is left behind or forgotten.” For Katie, Ohana extended beyond her traditional family to include friends, co-workers, and students. May her spirit live on in each of us.

In lieu of flowers, an academic scholarship will be established in Katie’s name for graduating students of Woodstock High School. Memorials may be made to Woodstock High School, care of Katie Macaulay Memorial Scholarship, 501 W. South St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

A memorial visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 4 until 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.