Obituaries 1960s

List of 4 items.

• Class of 1966

  Diane Linda (Hageman) Dissell, age 60, of Somonauk, IL passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at her home after a long and courageous 15 year battle with several different types of cancer. She was born on October 14, 1948 in Cleveland, OH the daughter of George and Adeline (Wesbrock) Hageman. Diane was united in marriage on April 15, 1967 at St. Rita Cascia Catholic Church in Aurora, IL by Father Kulick to Samuel E. Dissell and they spent the next 42 happy years of their lives together. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and cousin who will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Diane was a member of the first graduating class in 1966 of the new Rosary High School in Aurora, IL. She then graduated from Operating Room Tech School in 1968. Diane then trained and graduated in 1970 as a Dental Assistant. She was employed for 18 years as the Human Resource Manager by Remline in Yorkville, IL. For the last eleven years she was employed as the Office Manager at Selective Label and Printing in Sugar Grove, IL. She is survived by her husband, Samuel E. Dissell of Somonauk; her two sons, Samuel Dissell, Jr. of Ottawa, IL and Daniel (Marci) Dissell of Somonauk, IL; her four grandchildren; her sister Dona (Bob) Harris of Yorkville, IL; her brother, George "Bud" Hageman of Ottawa, IL; her brothers-in-law, Richard Dissell and Jim Gallops of Ottawa, IL; her cousin, Rita Tuma of Somonauk, IL, several other cousins, and her longtime best friend, Pat Conden of Sandwich, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Adeline Hageman; and her in-laws, Louis and Louise Dissell.
  
  

  Kathleen M. Kane, 66, of Aurora, passed away on Tuesday August 11, 2015 at Asbury Gardens. She was born September 9, 1948 in Evergreen Park Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Cecelia, a brother Tim and a sister Sheila (Jim) Vertenten. Kathy is survived by three sisters, Patti (Jim) Root, Nancy (David) Richards and Molly (Jeff) Roberts; three brothers, Owen (Cindy), Kevin (Patty) and Jim (Mary). Kathy had 21 nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews. In memory of Kathy, donations can be sent to Rosary High School in Aurora. Interment will be private. Published in the Aurora Beacon News on Aug. 16, 2015
  
  

  Maria R. (Otero) Molina, 58, of Aurora passed away Friday, October 14, 2005 at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora. She was born on June 17, 1947 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Carmelo and Adela (Muniz) Otero. Maria was a member of the First Apostolic Church in Aurora and was very active in the Urban League, helping to organize the Puerto Rican Parade and other Latino events held in and around Aurora. She is survived by her husband, Gregory; children, John Moctezuma, Leticia Clark and Bethany Clark; grandson, Christopher Moctezuma; mother, Adela Otero; sisters, Alba Otero and Carmen Otero; step children, Rob (Lesa) Molina, Rodney (Jennifer) Molina, Daleen Molina and Toni Molina; 12 step grandchildren; a great step granddaughter; and one special step grandson, Adam.
  
  

  Mary Kathryn Waegner, 69 years of Aurora passed away August 15, 2017 after a fight with cancer. She was born in Aurora to Donald and Mary (Meister) Waegner. Katie had many skills and interests among them entertaining, baking,traveling and volunteering. She will be remembered for her generosity and willingness to help and support family and friends. She was a member of the first graduating class at Rosary High School and served many years with the Alumnae Association. She served as a troop leader and on the board for the Girl Scouts. For the past five years she has shown determination and courage in her struggle with cancer. She is survived by a brother Edward (Laura) Waegner, sister-in-law Deb Waegner, niece Tara (Michael) Hassebrok, nephew Jason (Meghan) Waegner, many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Tom, sister Ann Atkins and nephew Bill Waegner. Family will receive guests on Wednesday, August 23,2017 at Holy Angels Church in Aurora from 9:00 until the time of the Mass at 10:00. Internment will be private at a later date. Donations may be made to Rosary High School in Aurora. Published in the Aurora Beacon News from Aug. 21 to Aug. 22, 2017

• Class of 1967

  Susan M. (Buddy) Baxter, 54, of Aurora, IL passed away Sunday, December 14, 2003 at her home. She was born May 5, 1949 in Aurora, IL. Survivors include her husband, James Baxter; two children, Beth (Brian) Dahl, Brian (Jenny) Baxter; six grandchildren, Jami and Cori Dahl, Emma, Hannah, Joe and Sarah Baxter; a brother, Paul (Paula) Buddy; two sisters, Jane Mulligan and Mary Schober; her mother-in-law, Marian Baxter; several nieces and nephews.
  
  She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Frances (Thayer) Buddy. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at Annunciation Church. Fr. Mario Pedi, O.S.B. will officiate. Interment will be private. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 16, 2003 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at THE DALEIDEN LAKE STREET MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. (630) 631-5500 or please visit our website at  www.daleidenmortuary.com.
  
  Ann (Carew) Grant, of Aiken, SC, finished her earthly pilgrimage on April 18, 2024 and after receiving her harp, joined the heavenly choir to praise the God she served for 75 years. “They held harps given them by God and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the lamb.” (Rev. 15:2-3)
  
  Born January 4, 1949, Ann was the middle child of seven to John F (Jack) and June (Evans) Carew.  She attended Holy Angels Catholic Grade School and Rosary High School in Aurora, Illinois where she was born and raised.  Ann lived in Illinois all her life until moving to Aiken.  She loved the corn fields, the flat prairies, the red barns, and the fall trees of her native state.
  
  She received a BA in Education from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa and a Masters degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Illinois.  Ann spent thirty years working with primary age children—first as a classroom teacher with the Dominican Sister of Springfield, Illinois; then as a lay person she worked as a director of Religious Education in Dixon, I Illinois and finally she worked as a director of two library media centers in the Byron Illinois Unit School District. In 2000, she retired and moved to Aiken, South Carolina where she lived for 23 years.  
  
  Ann loved people, especially her family and friends.  Music was important to her all during her life. She enjoyed writing poetry and Christian songs.  Her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and her Catholic faith were gifts that guided and strengthened her. They were both guarded carefully and treasured with gratitude.
  
  Competitive by nature, a game of cards or Mah Jongg brought her a great pleasure and a win was even sweeter.  In 2013, when Ann was diagnosed with Lymphoma, one of her nephews told her that he had no doubt that she would beat cancer too.
  
  One of her life mantras was “less is more.” Her needs were simple and she didn’t depend on things to bring her happiness.  One of her favorite scripture quotes, which she set to music, was from Micah 6:8 “this is what Yahweh asks of you; only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.”
  
  Ann was an active member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.   She is survived by her husband of 27 years Richard Grant, her brother Thomas Carew (Kim) of Aurora, Illinois and her sister, Sr. Therese Carew of Frankfort, Illinois. 
  
  A private service will be held. COLE FUNERAL HOME, 1544 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY (118 BYPASS) AIKEN, SC 29801 has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.net.
  
  

  Guadalupe Ann (Garcia) Lambert, 51, of Aurora, was called by the Lord on Monday, February 19, 2001. She was born August 22, 1949 in El Paso, Texas. Lupe cared about people in her work as an E.S.L. teacher and secretary 1968-70, 1975-80 at Waubonsee College; secretary to Aurora Downtown Redevelopment Commission (1985-89); Commissioner of Aurora Housing Authority & Chairman 1995-99; and receptionist for 17 years at Lindner, Speers & Reuland. Her passion as a master doll-crafter brought delight to friends and family and awards for her porcelain dolls. Survivors include her loving husband of 31 years, Patrick J. Lambert; three sons, Todd, Brian and Kristopher; one grandson, Brian Jr.; her parents, Joseph and Otilia Garcia; three sisters, Rose (Clifford) Dahm, Marie (Carl) Moore ad Josephine (Michael) Simons; four brothers, Charles Garcia, Lincoln (Yvette) Garcia, Lewis (Jessica) Garcia and John (Julie) Garcia and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Bradley; a brother, Joseph and her maternal and paternal grandparents. Lupe's sense of humor and appreciation of life will be greatly missed by all her loving family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Funeral from The Daleiden Lake Street Mortuary on Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 9 a.m. to St. Peter Church at 9:30 a.m. Fr. Ronald A. Jones will officiate with interment in River Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 21 from 2 to 8 p.m. at The Daleiden Lake Street Mortuary. 220 N. Lake St. Aurora. 630-898-8634.
  
  

  Sister Mary Frances Gorman, OP, a Springfield Dominican Sister, died peacefully on Sunday June 20, 2021, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Aurora in 1949, to Thomas and Mary Alice Lawrence Gorman. She joined the Dominicans in 1967 and professed her vows in 1969 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield. Sister Mary Fran, who for a time was known as Sister Thomas Mary, gave the first 16 years of her religious life to teaching primary students at Illinois’ Catholic schools in Mendota, Jacksonville, Morrisonville, Mt. Sterling, and Maryville, and then 8th grade in Evergreen Park. In 1986 she shifted to pastoral ministry, first as DRE and liturgist in Glen Carbon from 1986 to 1991, then at the religious education center in Arcola. In 1993 she became a pastoral associate at St. Therese Parish, Jackson, Miss. Returning to Springfield in 1997, she assisted in the computer lab at Cathedral and then at Sacred Heart Griffin where for three years she assisted in the computer lab and taught theology part time while developing her interest in the creative arts. From 2001 until 2018, when her health required a step back from active ministry, she was the resident potter at Jubilee Farm in New Berlin and enjoyed creating and nurturing creativity in others. She taught classes at the Springfield Art Association and was a dedicated past president and member of the Dominican Institute for the Arts. Sister Mary Fran was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John. She is survived by her sisters, Nancy (Ray) Bagley/Gorman and Virginia (Paul) Ledesma; her brothers Thomas (Theresa), David (Dzintra), Harry (Connie), Jay, Don (Jana), Joe, and Bob (Gwen); and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and dear friends. Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield. Visitation begins with a prayer service. Visitors are welcome and masks are required. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel with Dominican Father Michael DeTemple, celebrant, officiating. Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, at Calvary Cemetery. Mass and graveside services will be livestreamed. Memorials to honor the memory of Sister Mary Fran may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704. The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister Mary Fran are being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.
  
  

  Terry Lynn (Jones) Peterson, 62, of Downers Grove passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 at her residence in Lombard. She was born November 9, 1949 in Aurora the daughter of Frank and Adeline (nee Arns) Jones. Terry was an elementary teacher at the Indian Prairie School on Eola Road in Aurora for several years. In her later years she enjoyed volunteering for the Community Adult Day Care in Downers Grove. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Victoria Peterson of Lombard; a brother Jerry Jones of North Aurora; and a sister Marlet (Mohammad) Paydarfar of The Netherlands. She is preceded in death by her parents. In honoring Terry's wishes her body was donated to medical educational study. A memorial Mass will be held 10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Holy Cross Catholic Church 2300 Main St. Batavia, IL. Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association Greater IL Chapter 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, suite 800 Chicago, IL 60631. For additional information contact Moss Family Funeral Home 630-879-7900.
  
  

  Merecedes (Perez) Zajicek, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024. Born on July 31, 1949, in Buffalo, New York, she was the cherished daughter of Frances and William Perez and the fourth of six siblings. A proud graduate of Rosary High School’s inaugural class in 1967, Merecedes embraced life with grace, intelligence, and an adventurous spirit. In 1971, Merecedes married the love of her life, Gregory Zajicek, and together they began their journey with a romantic backpacking honeymoon across Europe.
  
  

  Merecedes joined the team at Old Second National Bank starting as a teller and working up to senior student loan officer. She later served as an auditor for the Department of Education, retiring in 2014 with a legacy of diligence and care.
  
  

  After the passing of her mother, Frances, in 2001, Merecedes became the heart of the family.
  
  

  Her home was a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of her nurturing spirit. No matter where life took us, Mercedes’ home was our constant haven—a place filled with warmth, love, and belonging. Her heart and hearth embraced us all, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
  
  

  Mercedes and her soulmate of 53 years, Gregory, were apart for only a few days before he joined her in eternal peace on December 17, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother Frances, her father William, her sister Joan, her sister Mary, her brother Bill and her nephew John. She is survived by her loving sisters Fran and Regina, her ten nieces and nephews Joseph and William Little, Mercedes, Grace, Paul, Peter and Mary Perez, William Perez (Sue), Ronald Hinton (Emily), and Frank Perez. In addition, she has welcomed many great-nieces and great-nephews to her loving family, plus brothers and sisters-in-law from Greg’s family.

  
  

  Deborah H. (Rausch) Perez, 75, of Aurora, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at her home. She was born September 30, 1949 in Aurora, IL.
  
  

  Debbie loved her family. She was a wonderful daughter, sister and aunt. She really loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her great grandchildren, Alani Rose and Luka made her whole face light up with joy. It's fair to say that she will be greatly missed by so many.
  
  

  Debbie was a strong woman and put herself through nursing school. She spent her working years as a Registered Nurse. She accomplished this while raising her two boys, Bill and John.
  
  

  Her most favorite times were spent with her family. She also loved gardening, vacationing at the lake, playing bridge, watching Notre Dame games and hanging out with her grandson, Michael, who took such good care of her these last few years.
  
  

  Everyone who spent time with Deb, knew she had a knack for making you laugh through her quick wit and sarcasm! One of her common sayings was "oh for cripes sake"! When you would hear those words, you knew that she was done with whatever subject was being discussed at that moment. She was loved by all and her "Debbieisms" will be forever ingrained in all of us.
  
  

  She is survived by her son William D. "Bill" (Susan) Perez of Sycamore, IL; three grandchildren Michael (Araceli Magana) Perez of Montgomery, IL, Samantha (Petar) Docevski of Oswego, IL, and Eric Perez of Iowa City, IA; two great grandchildren Alani Rose Perez and Luka Docevski; and many nieces and nephews.
  
  

  She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Perez; son John Perez; her parents Jewel (Weiten) and Elmer Rausch; brother Dennis Rausch; and her sister Diane Deutsch.
  
  

  A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00am at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate. Interment will be private. A memorial visitation will be Saturday morning from 9:00am until the funeral hour at 11:00am at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500.
  
  

  Anna Marie (Schweitzer) Gurbal, 66, of North Aurora, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Presence Mercy Medical Center. She was born March 15, 1949 in Glennonville, MO. Anna attended St. Rita Grade School in Aurora, and graduated from Rosary High School in 1967. She retired from Furnas Electric in Batavia, and from Meijer in St. Charles. Anna was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, and was a member of T.O.P.S. Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Philip L. Gurbal; two sisters, Cecilia May and Rosalita (John) Meszaros, Sr; her brother, James A. (Eva) Schweitzer, Sr; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aloysius and Esther (Bader) Schweitzer. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church. Fr. Max Lasrado will officiate. Private interment will follow. Visitation will be held Saturday morning, June 27, 2015 from 8:30 AM until 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 801 Oak Street, North Aurora, IL 60542. Funeral arrangements are being handled by THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL. 60506. (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Anna’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anna’s name may be made to the American Heart Association.
  
  

  Mary Ann (Tabor) Coleman, 73 years of age, passed away on August 18, 2023 at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, IL. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, David and Martha Tabor. Graveside services were held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery  278 Ashland Avenue  Aurora, IL  60505 on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 1:30 pm.
  
  

  Linda L. Weisz-Fournier, 66, of Oshkosh, WI, formerly of Cheyenne, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in Oshkosh. She was born on Oct. 6, 1948 in Illinois to Alfred and Eva Weisz. She married Roger Fournier on Oct. 2, 1987. Linda was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and had worked at ATT for many years. She is survived by her husband, Roger of Oshkosh; three step-children; five step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. Private family services for Linda are being held. Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes, Oshkosh, are assisting the family (www.konrad-behlman.com).

• Class of 1968

  Mary Ellen (Berns) Smith (June 25, 1950 – November 11. 2020) Age 70, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at her home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. Pleasant Garden Chapel is serving the Family.
  
  Pam Feltes (May 15, 1950 – October 31, 1988)
  
  

  Lynne M. (Dodson) Hankes, 62, of Aurora, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Provena Mercy Medical Center. She was born on January 30, 1950 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Donald and Ruth (Nickels) Dodson. Lynne was employed for over 30 years at Provena Mercy Medical Center as a nurse technician. She was very devoted and compassionate toward her co-workers and patients, and took great pride in their care. She is survived by her son, Kevin (Karen) Magrady; her daughter, Diana (Aaron) Hankes-Curry; three grandchildren, Tony Hankes, Adriana Curry and Chris Curry; brother, Dan (Jennifer) Dodson; sister, Beth Dodson; brother-in-law, Cliff (Margie) Pensyl; mother-in-law, Janet Otto; sisters-in-law, Maureen (Joe) Ventura and Pat (Tom) Scott; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Ruth Dodson; her husband, Robert G. Hankes; daughter, Sarah Magrady; sister, Terri Pensyl; brother, Larry Dodson; and nephew, Tom Dodson. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 9:00 AM until the funeral hour at 11:00 AM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora. 630-631-5500.
  
  Barbara (Guzauskas) Hamsmith, 62, of Aurora, IL, died Friday, August 31, 2012, surrounded by her family, after a 2-year battle with a rare form of salivary gland cancer. She was born February 24, 1950 in Aurora to Frank Sr. and Norma (Musso) Guzauskas. Barb felt the best part of life was being a loving wife and mother. She adored her husband; they were best friends since they first met in 1968. Their special times together included breakfast on Sundays after early Mass, antiquing trips, and just spending quality time together. They also bowled together throughout their entire married life, enjoying many spirited competitions. They will be forever united in heart and soul. Barb was most proud of her children. She thoroughly enjoyed being home with them, and all of their friends, when they were young. As they became adults she reveled in their accomplishments and their excellence at school. When her son married, Barb welcomed another wonderful daughter into her family. Survivors include her beloved husband of 40 years, Jerry; her wonderful children, Matthew (Lisa) with granddaughter Cecilia of Oswego and Rachel of Aurora; her sisters, Karen (William) Oleckno of DeKalb and Jeannie (Daniel) Currie of Aurora;her brother, Frank (Elizabeth) Guzauskas of Aurora; along with many special nieces, nephews and grandnephews; and her best friends Patrick and Mary Dougherty of Aurora. Barb was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 5, 2012 from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY at 10:00 AM to Holy Angels Church at 10:30 AM. Fr. Michael Burrows, O.S.B. officiated with interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barb’s name may be made to the Rosary High School Alumnae Association.
  
  

  Susan (LaHam) Wood, 45, of Cape Coral, FL., died Friday, November 11, 1994, in Palos Heights, IL.  She was born on September 21, 1949 in Wisconsin. She was married to Robert Lee Wood Jr. on June 15, 1975.  For the past ten years, she was a facilitator for Spiritual Retreats.  She was a member of Blessed Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Cape Coral.  She was also a member of Call to Action Group, Cursillo Movement, Marriage Encounter, Renew, Spina Bifida Assn. and Aurora Easter Seals. 
  
  

  She is survived by her husband, Rob, three sons, Benjamin, Stephen and Michael, her parents, Stan LaHam of Geneva, IL., and Norma Anfinsen LaHam of Pineland, FL.; three sisters, Rev. Julie LaHam, Joan Shevlin, Jane DePaolo; two brothers, Jamil LaHam and Stephen LaHam; her maternal grandfather, Francis Anfinsen, and many nieces and nephews.
  
  

  Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Tuesday at St. John Neumann Church, St. Charles, IL.  Rev. Robert B. Hoffman officiating. Interment will be private.  Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Monday at the Church. Liturgical wake service will be held at 8pm Monday evening at the Church.  Contributions may be made to Aurora Easter Seals, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Tampa, FL., Shem Center in Oak Park, IL., or The Spina Bifida Assn.  Arrangement by Yurs Funeral Home, St. Charles, IL.
  
  

  Margaret (McEnroe) Walker: Margaret (Maggie) Walker was an accomplished woman who left everyone she met wanting to spend more time with her, as she was creative, smart, and loving to all who knew her.

   

  Born October 7, 1950 in Aurora, Illinois, she was the fourth of the five children of Dorothy and Edwin McEnroe. A graduate of Holy Angels Catholic School and Rosary High School in Aurora, she earned a B.A. in journalism from Southern Illinois University after transferring from Northern Illinois University. During the summers she worked as a lifeguard at the Westwind Swimming Club in Aurora. After college, Maggie worked as a reporter for the local newspaper in Elmira, New York and later as a reporter and feature writer for the Aurora Beacon News and the Naperville Sun. Eventually she yielded to the pull of becoming a Realtor, like so many others in her family. Working for CB Thorsen Realtors and then for RE/MAX, she had an extremely successful real estate career. But in her zeal for continuing to learn and do more, she enrolled at the Loyola School of Law in Chicago where she earned her law degree.

   

  In 1975, while living in Four Lakes Village in Lisle, Illinois, she saw a note in the lobby offering free tomato plants. Interested, she knocked on Roderick (Rod) Walker’s apartment door and inquired about obtaining some plants. Before she left, she had a date with him for the next weekend. In August, 1976 they married and spent 48 wonderful years together. Adventures abounded, starting with her eagerly accepting the notion of honeymooning at a fly-in fishing camp in Ontario that had never hosted newlyweds before. They were treated like royalty, caught lots of fish and were hooked on Canadian vacations. Two-week long wilderness canoe trips followed, along with a ten-week driving trip to Alaska and back.

   

  After years of trying to get pregnant, they adopted their son Ben through the Cradle in Evanston. In early 1985 she finished law school and passed the bar exam, all while caring for nine-month-old Ben and preparing to move (for Rod’s work) to Rome, Italy in March of 1985. Living in Rome was magical, as Maggie soon discovered she was pregnant. Italy was fabulous even without being able to drink the wine. But the pregnancy caused the sojourn in Italy to be cut short.

   

  Alexander was born in December and almost four years later daughter Hilary arrived. Maggie never practiced law, but did use her acquired knowledge and skills to good effect raising three lively children.

   

  The growth in the family caused Maggie and Rod to move from their first home in Warrenville to St. Charles, Illinois. As the children grew, Maggie was ever present at their schools, organizing events, fund raising and supporting the teachers and staff. She was an active member of garden clubs in both Illinois and in Virginia. Everyone she met enjoyed her warmth, humor, positive outlook and willingness to jump in and make good things happen.

   

  Maggie loved to travel and went with Rod to Turkey, Africa, Ireland, Machu Picchu, Taiwan, the Galapagos, Italy, Mexico, El Salvador, many Caribbean islands, and various other wonderful destinations.

   

  Spending quality time with friends and family at the McEnroe cottage at Pan Yack Park in Racine County, Wisconsin was always one of her favorite activities. Later in life she also took up painting and has left us with many delightful artworks that grace our homes.
  
  

  In 1998 she and Rod, looking ahead to retirement, purchased Middle Mountain Farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. In addition to providing a wonderful vacation destination for the family, it also caused Maggie and Rod to engage in a five-year project to design and build their iconic new home nestled in the mountains and built using 250 trees off the property and 250 tons of stone picked up off the farm. Maggie did an extraordinary job of designing the house and then finding all the furnishings for this extraordinary dwelling where they spent the rest of their lives together enjoying the mountains and entertaining friends and family in the guest compound. Thanksgiving at the farm became a cherished family tradition drawing many of her family to make the pilgrimage to the mountain every year.

   

  Beyond building her careers, home, and wonderful family, Maggie participated in many different civic activities, including PEO chapters in both Illinois and Virginia, volunteering at the Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville and helping Rod with his non-profit, the Blue Ridge PRISM. She also spent many hours in her art room painting the people, pets, and landscapes of the farm.

   

  On February 13, 2025, Maggie passed peacefully after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and from the effects of a stroke she had just before the pandemic. She spent the last three years as a resident of Smith Village in Chicago. Her family is extraordinarily grateful for the gentle, caring staff at Smith Village who provided her with tender loving care for her final years. And of course, we are also so grateful for all the loving friends and family who visited there and comforted us through these many challenges.

   

  She is survived by her husband, Rod Walker; her three children Benjamin (Joseph Leamanczyk), Alexander, and Hilary Byrnes (Kevin). There are two grandchildren – Walker Byrnes and Blythe Byrnes. She is also survived by her four siblings Patricia Koschik (Marv), John McEnroe, Robert McEnroe (Sue) and Mary Paschali (Chuck).

   

  Maggie was a proud graduate of Rosary High School in Aurora, Illinois and was, for many years, a tireless volunteer and benefactor. Anyone desiring to make a charitable contribution in her name is asked to please consider Rosary.

   

  Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm at Healy Chapel at 370 Division Drive in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Memorial mass will be held at 10:30am on March 29, 2025 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, corner of Russell and Lancaster Avenue in Aurora. Interment will be private at a later date at Middle Mountain Farm in Virginia.

  
  

  Cecilia "Ceil" (Schweitzer ) May, 67, of DeKalb, IL left this world on July 4, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at Kishwaukee Community Hospital in DeKalb. She heroically battled the effects of Lupus. Cecilia, born in Glennonville, MO to Esther Ann (Bader) and Aloysius Donald Schweitzer. Ceil had two sisters, Anna (Philip) Gurbal and Rosalita (John) Meszaros; and one brother, James (Eva) Schweitzer. The Schweitzer family moved to Aurora, IL. She attended St Rita of Cascia and Rosary High School. She earned a Bachelors of Education at Aurora College and a Masters of Education at Aurora University. She taught students, primarily language arts and social studies, at St Rita of Cascia, C I Johnson Elementary and Waldo Middle School in Aurora. In retirement, she volunteered with the Kishwaukee College Literacy Program. Cecilia married Sean May (d 1990) in July 1971 and settled in Aurora. They had four children: Rose Ellen May (Thomas Butts), Peter May (Edrienne Su), Michael May, and Erin (David) Shaw. While she treasured being Aunt Ceil to Cynthia (Andrew) Baumann, Christina (Jason) Wesbrock, John (Norma) Meszaros, James Schweitzer, Elizabeth Schweitzer, Lauren Schweitzer, Lora Cole, Mathew Johnson, Angela Johnson, her role as Grandma to Samuel, Elijah, Hannah and Ruth Shaw brought her the greatest joy. Ceil moved to DeKalb, IL when she became an empty nester. She loved her home on the Kishwaukee River where she could enjoy the views of wildlife. Cecilia is preceded in death by her husband, Sean, her parents, and sister Anna. Funeral from the Daleiden Mortuary will be Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11:30AM to St Joseph Church at 12:00PM. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment at Lincoln Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday, July 7, 2017 from 4:00PM until 8:00PM with a liturgical wake service at 4:00PM at the Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N Lake St, Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Cecilia's family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lupus Foundation of America. (www.Lupus.org)
  
  

  Ann C. (Waegner) Atkins, 66, of Grand Island died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at her home. Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island was in charge of cremation. Ann was born on June 13, 1950, in Aurora, Ill., to Donald and Mary (Meister) Waegner. She grew up in Aurora and graduated from Rosary High School in 1968 and attended Creighton University in Omaha. Ann worked in the lab at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island until her retirement in May 2015. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving companion of 33 years, Steve Beall of Kearney; siblings, Edward and wife Laura Waegner and Mary Kathryn Waegner, all of Aurora; her sister-in-law, Debby Waegner of Mesa, Ariz.; her niece, Tara and husband Michael Hassebroek; and her nephew, Jason and wife Meghan Waegner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Mary Waegner; her brother, Thomas Waegner; and her nephew, Bill Waegner.

• Class of 1969

  Carla Ann Covelli, 61, left her physical body on September 30, 2012. She is survived by her life partner, Kate Sverre; her mother, Rachel; sisters, Chrissie, Lynn and Mary (Tom Martin); her brother, John; an uncle and an aunt; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy and her father, Orlando. Carla graduated from Rosary High School in Aurora in 1969. She retired from the USPS in January 2011 after 31 years as a letter carrier in Denver, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the IBC Foundation http://www.eraseibc.com/donate.html or the Doris Day Animal League http://www.ddal.org/. Published in Beacon News on October 12, 2012
  
  Sandra (Davidson) Smart (June 21, 1951 to July 11, 2023)
  
  

  Theresa (Dodson) Pensyl (May 1951 – May 2000)
  
  

  Mary Dolph
  
  

  Zoe Anne (Feahr) Hoover, 60, of Leesville, SC passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon June 8, 2012 at Palmetto Health Baptist surrounded by her loving family. Born August 22, 1951 in Saginaw, Michigan, she was the daughter of Dolores Conley and the late Roger Feahr. Survivors include her loving husband of 22 years Christopher Hoover whom she married in November of 1990; sister Mary Catherine Jarvis (Charles) of Loveland, CO; brothers Christopher Feahr of Santa Rosa, CA and Rodger Feahr (Leigh) of Naples, FL; uncle James Feahr (Joya); aunt Zoe Catherine of Saginaw, MI; nieces Roberta Dunn of Loveland, CO, Jessica Feahr (Mike) of Cape Coral, FL and Zoe Feahr of San Francisco, CA; nephews Steve Bauer (Christine) of Loveland, CO, David Feahr (Trissy) of Cape Coral, FL, Cole Feahr of Naples, FL and Clancy Feahr of San Francisco, CA. No services have been planned at this time. Donations may be made in Zoe's memory to the American Cancer Society 128 Stonemark Lane Columbia, SC 29210 or to the Humane Society of South Carolina 121 Humane Lane Columbia, SC 29209.
  
  

  Lucy Fleming (July 6, 1951 – October 28, 2015) Lucy passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. Lucy was a resident of Lexington, Kentucky. She was born on July 6, 1951, in Decatur, Illinois.
  
  

  Sherrill (Hanson) Glenn
  
  

  Denise A. (Rebenstorf) Abraham, age 62 of Alcoa, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the family home. She was a member of Praise Lutheran Church. Preceded in death by: Parents, Harvey & Mary Rebenstorf. Survivors include: Husband of 31 years, Will Abraham; Sons & Daughter-in-law, Erich & Jessica Weber and Joshua Aaron Abraham; Daughter, Brigette Benson; Grandchildren, Jonathon and Matthew Benson and Alexandria Weber; Great-Granddaughter, Brooklyn Benson; Sisters, Lori Cartwright and Judy Welch; Nephew, Justin Rebenstorf; several other nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2013 in the Smith Trinity Chapel with Pastor Derek Roberts officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2013 at Grandview Mausoleum for the entombment. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000.
  
  

  Kathleen (Reier) Mould (March 14, 1951 - October 31, 2014) Mould, Kathleen M. (nee Reier) Born: March 14, 1951, Passed Away: October 31, 2014. Attended Illinois State University, Bloomington, was CPA, accounting. She dearly loved her home shopping networks. Beloved daughter of the late Bernice (nee Schuster) and Francis Reier; loving sister of Shirley (Jeff) Swanson; fond aunt of Nicholas (Nichole) Swanson, Andrew (Kathryn) Swanson and Edward Swanson; best friend and caregiver, Vicki Adams; caregivers, Rebekah Perry, Jenae, and C.J. Services were private. Arrangements by DuPage Cremations, Ltd. and Memorial Chapel (630)293-5200. 
  
  

  Clare (Reuland) Korinek, 66, (October 6, 1951 - May 26, 2018) Retired Registrar at Loyola University in Chicago; beloved wife of John; loving mother of Christopher; dear sister of Anne (Michael Gorman) Reuland, Mark (Jackie) Reuland, Dan Reuland, Therese (George) Sterling, David (Jennifer) Reuland and the late Michael Reuland; aunt of many nieces and nephews and cousin to many. Cremation for Clare will be private. For additional information, please call Suburban Family Funeral Home at 708-652-1116 or visit www.Suburbanfamilyfh.com.
  
  

  Trude L. (Wood) Anderson, 49, of Aurora, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2001. She was born November 3, 1951, in Aurora. She worked for Laidlaw Co. as a school bus drive for Special Education children for ten years. She previously worked for Western-Electric, Campana, Anchor Brush and A & W. Survivors include her daughter Tamara L. Anderson, her son, James K. Anderson Jr.; one brother, Terry F. Wood of California; two sisters, Tina (Kenneth) Simmons of Sycamore, IL., and Tonia M. Crawford of Aurora; her half brother Warren Dummer; her nephew Kenneth L. Simmons; her niece Keynah M. Simmons, both of Sycamore; and many other relatives and friends including her best friend Sharon Turner. She was preceded in death by her parents Warren F. Wood and Helen B. Artlip; her sister Sharon L. Wood and one grandson, Edwyn M. Anderson. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 27, 2001, at James Funeral Service, 204 Hill Ave., Aurora. Rev. Roy Brown will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the James Chapel, (630)851-6503.