Regina V. Brooks, 93
Regina V. Brooks (Kolasa), passed away on March 12, 2016, at her home in Elmhurst at the age of 93. Originally from Streator, Ill., she and her husband of 38 years, E. Burdette Brooks of Tonica, Ill., chose Elmhurst as a perfect place to start a business, raise their family and live out their lives. Reggie, as she was known to friends and family, was a devoted wife and mother to daughters Mary, Janet and Sandra. Both Reggie and Burdette were award winning hair stylists and owners since 1946 of Burdette Hair Fashions, a business from which Reggie retired at age 80.
She and Burdette began their life together dancing. They fell in love at the old Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, were long time members of Elmhurst’s Cotillion Club and danced their way through life’s trials and joys. Even after her favorite partner passed, Reggie continued dancing up until last year. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, W.O.W and Red Hats.
Reggie is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Anna and John Kolasa; her daughter Janet; her husband; and, five siblings and their spouses, Alice (Leo), Victor, (Shirley), Jenny (Ernie), Ann (Andy) and Chester (Mary) and brother-in-law Verne (Helen). She is survived by her daughters Mary and Sandra; a brother-in-law Walter Duane and his wife Evelyn of Hemet, Calif.; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Streator on Saturday, March 19. She was then laid to rest next to her husband and daughter, near her parents and other dear family members and friends at St. Casmir’s Cemetery in Streator. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the Ray Graham Association for People With Disabilities, the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia Foundation or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Arrangements provided by family members.
Loraine T. Scott, 88
Loraine T. Scott nee Ratzer, a resident of Elmhurst since 1962, passed away recently at the age of 88. Loving mother of Karen Scott, Barbara (Boyd) Kirby, Susan Wagner, Thomas Scott and the late Sharon Scott and Mary Holmes; proud grandmother of Joe (Paula Lozano) Digilio, Nicole Digilio, Adam (Kristin) Kirby, Lauren (Dan) Stanish, Justin (Tina) Wagner, Tracy (Tim) Clifford, Michele (Brian) Hunter, Scott (Katy Grabarski) Wagner, Megan (Ana Briseno) Holmes, Erin (Travis) Carpenter, Sarah (Ronnie Chwojko) Holmes; great grandmother of Amanda, Grace, Allyson, Riley, Genna, Gwen, Brooke, Amelia, Evan, Zach, Maggie, Sean, Story, Landen, Ryan, Lincoln, Joshua, two “on the way” and the late Gabriel; dear daughter of the late Leo and Frances Ratzer; sister of Leo (Jean) Ratzer and a cherished aunt. Loraine was a graduate of Cornell College where she met her late husband James F. Scott. She taught in Bellwood School District 88 and Elmhurst School District 205 and was a floor leader at Lexington Square, Elmhurst where she lived for 12 years. Loraine was also an Election Judge in DuPage County, a Girl Scout leader, President of the Emerson School P.T.A., Secretary of the Elmhurst P.T.A. Council, a volunteer at the Infant Welfare Society, Bellwood and the Religious Education Coordinator at Mary Queen of Heaven Church. Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Visitation Church. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for the American Cancer Society. Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Call (630) 834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com for more information.
Kenneth J. Hartnett, 83
Kenneth J. Hartnett, a lifelong resident of Elmhurst, passed away March 16, 2016, at the age of 83. Retired Deputy of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. Beloved husband of the late Nancy A., nee Voris, for 59 years. Loving father of Deborah (Kregg) Potter, David T. Hartnett, Mary (late Dave) Stultz and James B. Hartnett. Beloved grandpa of Brittany and Brock Potter, Nicholas, Tara and Mikala Hartnett, Stephanie (Rene) Rodriguez, Ryan Stultz (Jami Gosnell) and Derek Stultz (Meagann Ayala). Great grandpa of James, Ricardo, Audrina Rodriguez and Mariah Stultz. Cherished son of the late Kenneth T. and Ann Hartnett. He is also survived by faithful K-9 companion Bruiser. Visitation and funeral service were held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park. Interment private. Arrangements provided by Steuerle Funeral Home. Call (630) 832-4161 or visit steuerlefh.com for more information.
