Kristen Rae Bain (Goss) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, all too early, after a courageously fought battle with her fleeting health.

Kristen was born April 3, 1967, in Joliet, IL – The song "My Girl", by The Temptations, playing in her parents Mercury Cougar, on their way home from the hospital.

Kristen spent her childhood fishing with her mom and dad on the SnowGoose, spending summers exploring the Northwoods at Granddads cabin in Hackensack, MN, and playing the role of pesky but loving older sister to her younger brother Rob.

A graduate of Lockport Township High School, Class of '85, Kristen was a standout on the high school swim team, as well as a leading clarinet in the Porters' marching band, which she would often remind anyone who would listen, was featured in the John Hughes 1989 cult classic, 'Ferris Bueler's Day Off', Von Steuben Day Parade scene.

After high school, Kristen attended Western Illinois University, eventually earning her master's degree in education from Northern Illinois University, following in the footsteps of her mother, a teacher of 30+ years, herself.

Dedicated to her professional career, Kristen spent 20+ years as a special education teacher.  Her nurturing and patient nature leading her to help those who required special attention, excel in the classroom.  Committed to her students, Kristen participated in multiple "Polar Plunges" benefiting Special Olympics and children's charities.

Aside from being an educator, Kristen dedicated the majority of her time to her family.  A loving mother to Jarrett and Derrick, Kristen could often be found spending hot summer days in the family pool, cold winter evenings at the sled hill, or performing a combination of her other motherly duties such as chauffeur, chef, nurse, cheerleader, therapist, and bank teller.

A friend to everyone, Kristen could strike up a conversation or share a joke with anyone who would listen, a trait likely learned from her father, Bob.  A friend once was a friend forever, as Kristen held many friends close; from grade school, high school, college, and her professional career.

Among everything else, Kristen was passionate about the Blackhawks, the Cubs, cruising the trails and dunes in her Jeep, and spending time with her outspoken Australian Shepherd, Boomer.

She is survived by her two sons, Jarrett Bain and Derrick Hoffman, her mother, Sara Goss, her bother, Rob (Rose) Goss, her nephews, Jacob and Andrew Goss, her God Mother, Aunt Bunny Alma Flandermeyer,  and cousins, Mark (Stephanie), Scott (Tracey), Craig (Nicole), John (Kitten), and Paul (Maria).  She is preceded in death by her Father, Robert Goss Sr., her Grandparents, Charles Robert and Margaret Goss, and Ray and Esther Rugenstein, and her God Father, Ron Flandermeyer.

Visitation will be held in the O'Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St.  Lockport, IL 60441 on Sunday, September 25, 2022  from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.  Funeral services will be held Monday, September 26, 2022 at O'Neil Funeral Home, commencing at 10:00am. Interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution, in Kristen's memory to: The American Kidney Fund, OR Special Olympics of Illinois.