PATRICIA ANN DECICCO
Patricia Ann DeCicco (née Starnes/O’Rell) of Lombard, Illinois, after saying goodnight for the final time to her children and grandchildren, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 25, 2022, and blessedly only four hours later her name was offered in the prayers for the faithful departed at the St Pius X 8 a.m. Sunday celebration.
Born on October 28, 1938, in Downers Grove, Illinois, Patricia or Patsy as she was fondly referred to by her loving mother, Kathryn and her late brothers Jim, Bill and Ray, was even as a child loving and caring to those around her, especially those less fortunate than her and supporting of other children at school that were noticeably in need of a friend.
A High School friendship would turn into a lifelong relationship that would change her life when she met Carole DeCicco in sewing class, sharing similar interests and their love of laughter more so than sewing. Through Carole, Patricia met her eventual husband and father of her six children, John DeCicco Sr. After their marriage, which ended in divorce after 25 years, they all remained friends until John’s recent passing and continuing with daily phone calls from Carole up until the day Patricia left us.
She was the most kind and forgiving Mother to her six children, the late John Anthony Jr., Frank Sr. (Kathleen), Diana (the late Bartolo) DeCicco-Gianfortune, Daniel Sr. (Eileen), Joseph (Leah), and Laura DeCicco-Castellon.
While a stay-at-home Mom for most of her children’s schooling years, Mom was the chief cook, car pooler, teacher’s aide, pool lifeguard and recreational director for her six and all the kids who came along as a result of being the loving, caring, best house on the block Mom that she was. The only thing that gave her more pride than her kids were her grandchildren and great grandchildren, John Anthony III (Rhonda), Nicol (Graham), Frank Jr. (Allison), Diana (Eric), Jennifer (Ernesto), the late Nicholas, Bartolo (Silvia), Nicholas (Ashlee), Anthony John, Daniel Jr. (Bonnie), Jade (Spencer), Michael (Tommy), John James, Patrick, Kayla, Christopher (Brooke), Jack, John Anthony IV, Kailyn, Grace, Avery, Gabriella, Carmella, Caden, Ernesto Jr. (Tina), Antonio, Isabel, Dante, Julian, Rocco, and the most recent, Leonardo Joseph.
Grandma Patti or G Patti’s special bond with all her grandkids was laughter, the sharing of food and always having time for each and every one of them. Her selfless love was the common link in the family chain that she has woven over all the many years we were blessed to have had her with us.
At a birthday celebration a few years ago, in addition to receiving her beloved dog Daisy, a video tribute was shared with her and after viewing it through smiles, laughs and some tears, she declared that while she didn’t go out and build a company or have some long career in business, she knew then that her life’s accomplishments would be forever measured by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the lessons she taught them, the example that she was and the love that she has left for them to carry and to pass on to others. Until we meet again to one of life’s true treasures!
Services were held at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard, IL, with a Funeral Mass held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1025 E. Madison Street, Lombard, IL, followed by Interment at St. Michael Cemetery, Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to a charity of your choice in Patricia’s name.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
JOYCE D. ESLING
Joyce Dean Esling, 82, of Lombard, IL, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on September 29, 2022, after a period of illness.
Joyce was born on July 26, 1940, to Everett Eugene and Evelyn Marie Dean in Traverse City, Michigan. After Joyce graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1958, she went on to study Education at the University of Michigan. After graduating with a BA in Education, she briefly taught 4th grade in Walcott, IA, before moving on to Illinois.
Joyce had a deep love for children and invested the remainder of her career in teaching preschool for several years, and eventually forming her own home daycare, which she devoted herself to for 26 years.
In September of 1961, Joyce met Jerry Esling at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Michigan. Married on September 14th of 1963, Joyce and Jerry are the loving parents of 4 children: John (Deb) Esling, Paul (Sarah) Esling, Karen (Chris) Barnes, and Jennifer (Steve) Pirog. Joyce was also blessed with 10 beautiful grandchildren, including Hailey, Shane, Everett, Owen, Arlo, Zach, Gavin, Nathan, Matthew, and Hannah Mae.
Joyce grew up on a farm in Williamsburg, Michigan, and is affectionately remembered for her hard work ethic, strong muscles, and her love of picking cherries and berries. She could light up a room with her laughter and funny stories. One of her favorite hobbies was dancing – for years she and her husband enjoyed square dancing with the Oceanwaves Squaredance Club. She also loved bike riding, camping and swimming in Elk Lake. Joyce will be remembered for her infectious smile and sense of humor. Her children and grandchildren will fondly remember the way she turned every life event into a song.
Joyce was predeceased in death by her parents, sisters Barbara and Deborah, and brother James Dean. She is survived by sisters JoAn, Marilyn, Leone, Colleen, and Jennifer; and brother Dennis.
A private family service was held at Brust Funeral Home in Lombard on October 4, 2022. The burial service was held at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey on October 6, 2022, and her final resting place will be in her beloved Petoskey, Michiganm at the Greenwood Cemetery.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
PATRICIA E. KOTILINEK
Patricia E. Kotilinek, née Perkins, age 92, of Lombard.
Beloved wife of the late Fred; loving mother of Mark (Carrie) Kotilinek, Lisa (Glenn) Gierczak, and Sandi (Dan) Schultz; dear daughter of the late Willis S. Perkins and the late Simone M., née Barthel; devoted grandmother of Heidi (Mike), Matthew (Ashley), Carly (Spencer), Max (Katie), Amy, Danny, Nate, and Will; great-grandmother of Grace Evelyn; fond sister of Suzanne (Richard) Coffman, Bill (Joyce) Perkins, and the late Jeanne (the late Snags) Walter; sister-in-law of the late Dolores (the late Tom) Horan, the late Jim Kotilinek; aunt of many nieces and nephews; loving adoptive mother and grandmother of the Mai and Ly Nguyen family.
Visitation Friday, October 7th, from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Rd., Lombard. Funeral Saturday, October 8th, meet at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard for a 10 a.m. Mass. Private interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 are appreciated. Funeral info: knollcrest.net/ or (630) 932-1500.
BARBARA ANN KUHR
Barbara Ann Kuhr, née Witt, of Morris, formerly of Elmhurst, passed away on Sept. 29, 2022.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022 from 3-9 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Funeral service on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Brust Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Elm Lawn Cemetery, Elmhurst.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
JANE M. LESCH
Jane M. Lesch, age 77, of Lombard. Beloved wife of the late James Lesch; loving mother of Brian (Heather) Lesch and Laura (Jason) Sasinka; devoted grandmother of Julia and Ian Lesch; fond sister of Nancy (Sandy) Templeman; aunt of Greg Templeman and Sarah Smith. Longtime member of Lombard Lilac Parade Committee.
Visitation Friday, October 14, 3-8 p.m. at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Road, Lombard. Funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, are appreciated. For info: 630-932-1500 or www.knollcrest.net.
LEO G. LEWIS
Leo G. Lewis, age 80, of Lombard, IL, passed away surrounded by family on 9/22/22 at Elmhurst Hospital.
Loving husband of Jan, née Stephenson; dear brother of Robert (Kim); brother-in-law of Kathy (Mike) Kennedy and Carol (Dean) Craig; awesome uncle of Carrie (Brian) Blonigen, Kelly (Ryan) Stock, Mike (Kristin) Kennedy, Patrick (Maureen) Kennedy, Sean (Joy) Kennedy, Matt (Katelyn) Kennedy, Liz (Jim) Gaddius; great uncle of 19 nieces and nephews.
Leo was a proud Vietnam Marine veteran. He was a daily attendant at Wheaton Sports Center and enjoyed playing tennis, golf and socializing with friends. He loved spending time with family and spoiling nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA, 22314 would be appreciated.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
