January 15, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

10 things you don’t know about me… Kathy McCormick


  • What is your favorite childhood memory? Playing outside with the neighborhood kids – every summer day until dark.

    What was your first pet’s name? Ringo. He was a large mutt who did not need to be fenced in or on a leash. He stayed in the yard and visited the neighbors occasionally.

    What book have you read that has stayed with you? I read mostly inspirational or self-help books. I save novels for when I am on vacation or on a plane otherwise I stay up all night so I can find out what happens. Two books that I recall enjoying were Joan Lunden’s Had I Known and The Joy of Less. I am still trying to accomplish the joy of less

    What TV or Movie could you watch over and over? I do not typically watch movies over and over unless someone is with me and wants to watch something I have already seen. My favorites are The Blind Side, We’re the Millers, Steel Magnolias. I could go on. The only TV shows I watch are This Is Us (Why is their season so short?) and Survivor (seen every episode). If ER were still on I would still be watching it. 

    What is the best advice you have been given?  Have a good work ethic and treat people with kindness.

    What is something you are looking forward to? I always look forward to traveling and seeing new places and if I do not have any travel planned, I look forward to time with family and friends.

    What is something you always find joy in? Making people happy, especially my family, friends and clients. Love to see people smile

    What is a hobby you have that may surprise people? I used to be quite the crafter, but with age my hobby changed to volunteering in the community – Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center, St. Joseph Summer Days, Village of St. Joseph for the Community Park, our homeowners association and SJO High School. Those have kept me busy. My new “hobby” that will not surprise anyone is traveling

    What is your favorite place you have traveled to? That is so hard to come up with just one. Traveling can be so many different experiences. First is it a trip (learn and see the sights) or is it a vacation (fun, relaxing and beautiful). For a trip I would say my favorite place was Greece and Turkey – the history there! My favorite trips in the United States were Mount Rushmore and New York City. However, I loved Phoenix and all their sights and the Grand Canyon. There is one place I traveled that was both a trip and a vacation: A river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. There were sights during the day and relaxation at night. My favorite vacation location would have to be Turks and Caicos along with Ambergris Cay. Then there is also the Cayman Islands. I have been to some fabulous places in Cancun, Cabo and Playa del Carmen too. Any location with family and friends is my favorite place.  
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