Katie Hancock, age 40, a resident of St. Charles, IL, passed away January 4, 2021. She was born May 8, 1980 in Winfield, IL.

Katie came from a small but tight-knit family where love, laughter and hugs were freely shared. Mom and Dad, older sister Jamie and Katie comprised the Hancock clan. Later, the family would include Jamie's husband, Jim, and their two sons Ben and Cam. Katie was a proud, doting aunt to her nephews loving to surprise them at one of their baseball or basketball games. She adored them and they adored her. The family lived in Wheaton for 24 years.

Katie attended District 200 schools. As a student she would meet her best friend of more than 30 years, Jodie Sutton. They both enjoyed playing sports and played on volleyball and basketball teams together. Jodie's husband Matt and their two girls; McKenna and Adeline were "adopted" nieces to Katie. She graduated in 1998 from Wheaton North High School. Katie attended Augustana College earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biology in 2002. She did a semester of study in Europe her Junior year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching from National-Louis University in 2007. While at Augustana, many new friendships were formed with sorority sisters and fellow students. Augie Alum, Patrick Hunt became a dear friend to Katie bonding on among other things love of the Cubs and tailgating at Northwestern vs. UW Football games. Friends were very important to Katie and she had many. As a friend, she was loyal, a good listener, fun to be with and how she loved her "peeps."

After college, Katie worked briefly at Abbott Labs and was involved in cancer research. But she realized this was not what she wanted to do as a career. She changed course and pursued a career in teaching. Upon receiving her certification she landed her dream job teaching in the Science Department at Wheaton North. This year is her 16th year teaching there. She loved teaching and she so loved teaching at WNHS. She enjoyed working with her colleagues especially in the Science Department. Fellow science teachers loved her positive attitude and ready smile. Katie was a dedicated teacher. She was bright and creative. Always willing to do what needed to get done, a team player. She wasn't just a colleague but a dearly loved friend. Hanging out with her Science people was one of her favorite things. She considered herself to be very lucky to work with her Wheaton North family. Especially with the teacher she had for Science and who had inspired her to study Biology and who then became her mentor and friend, Kathryn Wolf. Katie's students loved her. They were her motivation to be the best teacher she could be. Students have commented that Ms. Hancock showed them kindness. She was encouraging. She taught in a way that facilitated their learning. She has inspired many of her students to pursue science just as she was inspired. She was kind and had lots of smiles to share.

For many years during the summer Katie worked at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. She worked the beverage cart and Halfway House. Katie enjoyed being outside and perhaps also making a little pin money. Katie made a whole new circle of friends there. For years she had worked the Saturday 6:30am shift because she so liked the group of older gentlemen and they liked her. They told funny stories, were sweet and made her laugh and smile.

She had taken up golf and loved playing a round with her dad. She enjoyed sports and being active. She played in a sand volleyball league. Katie enjoyed working out, running and yoga. She also enjoyed discovering new restaurants and shops in her new hometown of St. Charles. Katie loved getting together with friends perhaps sharing a meal and a glass of wine. And, of course, going for long walks with her beloved doggie, Wrigley.
Katie was much loved by so many in her too short life. She was beautiful inside and beautiful outside.
She was a sweetheart and that bright smile of hers will be missed.

She is survived by her parents, David & Cathy Hancock of Winfield; her sister Jamie (Jim) DeWitt; and her nephews Ben & Cam. Also survived by her aunt & uncles: Wendy & John Mathieu, Dana & Maureen Bulger, Gordon & Emma Bulger and Judi Bulger; and numerous cousins.

A celebration of Katie's life will be held at Arrowhead Golf Club, 26W151 Butterfield Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189 on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to People's Resource Center , Office of Development, 201 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 or the American Heart Association , 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.