Georgene Kauth O'Dwyer

Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer, 89, of Batavia, IL passed away at home on Saturday, May 21, 2022. She was born on Mother’s Day, May 14,1933, in Streator, IL, the daughter of Arthur and Irene (Harcharik) Farrington. She had two younger siblings, Margaret “Joni” (Paul) Angelos and Arthur Franklin (Luann) Farrington, both of who preceeded her in death.

After growing up and attending Catholic schools in Streator and briefly Moline, IL., Georgene met Walter Kauth, a Streator boy turned Army veteran who had recently returned from serving in postwar Japan. They married on September 13, 1952, and moved to Maywood and Aurora, IL, finally settling in Batavia where they started their forever home in 1958. Walt and Georg raised three girls, Jan (Robert) Hodge of Aurora, Sally (Robert) Wiarda of Wheaton and Laura (Eric) Lacher of Batavia. After Walt’s death in 2004, Georgene was surprised to find happiness again and she built a new life with Dr. John O’Dwyer of Batavia. She embraced her expanded family and marriage to John from 2006 until his death in 2012.

Georgene loved Batavia. After moving there, while raising her family, she began setting down roots by getting involved in her beloved Holy Cross Catholic Church and the community of Batavia. Whenever she met someone, she’d say “My friends call me Georg” or “You can call me Grandma Georg”. Her goodness knew no limits and many who were recipients of her giving heart never discovered its source as she didn’t need a thank you but was simply showing love, respect, and kindness to her fellow human beings. She lived her faith and did not fear death. She was surprised by her final illness but prayed unceasingly, faith filled and graceful as she prepared to meet her God.

In addition to her daughters and their husbands, Georgene is survived by eight grandchildren. They are Julie (Carl) Pohlman, Jeff (Lauren) Hodge, Greg (Carolyn) Hodge, Neil (Laura) Wiarda, Nick (Stephanie) Wiarda, Jonathan (Gabrie) Wiarda, Jake (Shayla) Lacher and Ellen (Bryan) Hernandez. Over the last 12 years, she has also known the love and joy of having 12 “greats”, Sydney and Graham Pohlman, Gwen, Carson and Kelsey Hodge, Hudson and Brooklyn Hodge, Whitney and Bryan Wiarda, Bowen and Annie Wiarda and Niko Lacher.

Visitation for Georgene will be Tuesday, May 24th from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Moss Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL with a wake service at 7:00 P.M.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 25th at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2300 W. Main Street, Batavia, IL at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, Georgene requested that donations be made to Holy Cross Catholic School in Batavia, IL.

For additional information contact Moss Family Funeral Home, 630-879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com