Jean Marie Galbavy passed away March 10, 2021, at the age of 91. She was born March 18, 1929 in Chicago to Ross and Alvina Rutledge. She met the love of her life John Galbavy at a wedding in the Willowbrook Ballroom and they married in November 1949. John preceded her death in 1997.
Jean was a dedicated mother and treasured “her girls” and their spouses Dawn Gardner (Randy Johnson), Gail McCarthy (Robert Cox), Merry Snyder (Ray Snyder), and Ann Tranter. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren Rebecca (Chris) and Olivia Rejano, Elliott and Julia Cox, Emily (Kyle) and Adam Petropoulos, and Renee and Ross Tranter.
Jean’s sister Mae preceded her death, leaving her daughter Bonnie Blafka and son Dean Goldbeck. Jean adored Bonnie, who became her dearest friend.
Jean had a passion for art, which she studied as a young woman at the American Academy of Art. Her paintings with the DuPage Art League depicted the beauty of nature’s landscape.
Jean and John inspired their family through frequent camping trips to the Outer Banks and Warren Dunes State Park, taught their children to grow their own vegetables, and challenged them to harvest the first red tomato of the season. She was a voracious reader and a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Villa Park.
Sisters Jean and Mae made an annual summer road trip in their Ford Model T with their mother Alvina to Tower Hill Camp in Sawyer, Mich. Throughout her life, she adored the beauty of Harbor Country. A private ceremony will take place on the beach this summer to celebrate her life and all she loved. Arrangements by Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.
