Chicago Heights Woman, 57, Remembered As 'Kind And Giving' Soul

A Chicago Heights native is being remembered after her death at the age of 57.

Brenda DeThomas Konop, 57, a Chicago Heights native and most recently a longtime resident of Watertown, NY, died unexpectedly at her home on December 14, 2024, her obituary reads. Brenda was born on February 21, 1967, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the daughter of Charles A. and Ruth E. Karczewski DeThomas. She graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights and went on to earn a degree in Surgical Technology from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights.

In 1999, Konop married David, and "embraced a life of travel" as a military wife while he served in the Army, her obituary reads. The couple lived throughout the United States and Europe, building memories until his honorable discharge in 2014. In 2012, they were stationed at Fort Drum and chose to settle in Watertown, NY.

Konop is remembered as "a kind and giving soul who cherished time spent with her family and friends." She enjoyed reading, listening to music, and was a devoted follow of the band Annie in the Water.

Visitation was held in New York on Saturday, Dec. 21. Burial will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Local friends hope to plan a memorial service after the holidays, to be held in Chicago Heights.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenda’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, care of Stacy Spaziani, 204 Iroquois Avenue West, Watertown, NY 13601.