JOHN A. CONWAY
John Abbott Conway, born July 29, 1930, passed away with family by his side on December 8, 2022, at the age of 92.
John is predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Jacquelyn Ann, who he married on November 22, 1956. He is survived by three sons: Curtis, Charles, and Robert Conway, as well as three granddaughters: Alyssa Conway, Stephanie Hinton (Conway), and Samantha Starr.
John was born in Chicago and grew up in Oak Park until he and Jackie moved to Lombard in 1960, where he resided until death. John was a proud graduate of the class of 1953 from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
A hard-working man, John rode the train into Chicago daily to his job at Harris Bank for 32 years. After retirement, he enjoyed nearly 20 years as a “snowbird” in Mesa, Arizona, playing golf, shuffleboard, cards, and hiking. He treasured spending his time back home in Lombard with family, attending his granddaughters’ sporting events and concerts, and taking daily walks. John was a man of many interests, from opera and theater to the Chicago White Sox and Bears to keeping up with the stock market daily.
Donations in John’s honor can be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements private.
JOHN S. GAJEWSKI
John S. Gajewski, Jr., age 69, of Clarendon Hills, passed away on Dec. 16, 2022.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard. Interment is at Resurrection Cemetery in Joliet, IL.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
ALBERT J. HARVEY
Albert John Harvey, 75, a longtime Lombardian, died on December 12. Albert lived in Lombard since 1953. He grew up in Lombard and lived in the same house for 47 years.
Albert was the dear husband to Denise Harvey, née Brennan, for 49 unforgettable years. Denise and Albert met via mail. Albert was serving in Vietnam and Denise wrote letters to active military service members. After becoming pen pals, they met in 1969 and became inseparable. Four years later they were married on September 1st, 1972, at St. John the Apostle Church in Villa Park.
Albert was the loving dad to William Albert (Michelle) Harvey. Papa to three granddaughters, Emma Rose, Katy Grace and Ellie Joy. He liked spoiling his granddaughters and loved them dearly. Albert will also be missed by his siblings, Lillian (James) Picker of Lombard, Lawrence (Judith) of Lombard, and Carol Ann Chaput.
Albert is predeceased by his parents, William Harvey and Ellen Harvey, née Murray. Beloved uncle, relative, and friend to many.
Before settling down Albert served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a radio operator in Vietnam. He was stationed in Da Nang. He was a Lance Corporal and a sharpshooter in the Marines and earned a Purple Heart during his time in Vietnam.
After returning home, Albert got married and began his life stateside. He was a volunteer firefighter in Lombard and Villa Park. He went on road trips with his family, often to places where he could enjoy the outdoors. A trip to Mount Rushmore was one of Albert’s favorites.
He also enjoyed fishing and gardening. Having a knack for collecting, Albert has numerous trains and lighthouses of which he was very proud. He also collected military memorabilia.
Albert accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and his family awaits being reunited with him.
All services for Albert are Private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606 https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.
JOAN M. HOWE
Joan M. Howe, née Sheahan, age 80, of Villa Park, Illinois. Beloved wife of Edward Howe;
loving mother of Tim (Susan) Howe, Lauren (Randy) Walters, Julie (Mark) Lis, and Daniel (Renee) Howe; dear daughter of the late Naomi Sheahan, née Treon, and the late William Sheahan; devoted grandmother of Dylan, Alexandra, Adam, Ashley, and Zacary; fond sister of Tom (Nancy) Sheahan, Patricia (the late Hugh) Baskin, Michelle (Bill) Dukes, Mary (the late Tom) Albyn, and Karen (Roger) Foreman; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Joan began her career as a flight attendant for United Airlines in the early 1960s. After raising her children, she was a Director at Various Hotels. Later she concluded her career in management for United Airlines. Joan was an inquisitive person eager to learn and an avid reader. She had a passion for cooking and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels.
Her kindness and selflessness extended to many people around her. We are deeply saddened by the loss.
Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Funeral info: steuerlefh.com or (630) 832-4161.
RUSSELL ERVIN LUNDQUIST
Russell Ervin Lundquist, age 82, of Villa Park, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.
Russell, also known as Russ, was born March 27, 1940, in Phelps, Wisconsin to the late Glen and Mabel Lundquist and was a loving son and brother. He was preceded in death by his three sisters: Deanna Turner, Glenna Berg, and Carolyn Lundquist.
Russ was married to Jean Breede Lundquist and together they had a large family. Russ is survived by his six children, Robin (Rick) Kinney, Mark (Jill) Lundquist, Terri Lundquist, Peggy Lundquist, Jennifer (Leon) Baker, and Eric (Kellee) Lundquist; his fourteen grandchildren, Sarah, Mandy (Will), Courtney (David), Sophie, William, Chance, Nicholas (Tric), Kaylee, Kelly, Erin, Kaitlin, Jordan, Huxley and Phoenix; his six great-grandchildren; his two great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Russell loved all his roles as son, brother, dad, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Russ was the kind of guy who was ever dependable and would jump in to help friends and family alike and always had a ready smile. He was a devout Lutheran believing in a personal relationship with God and Jesus and he instilled this love and spirituality into his children. His faith shaped his character, and he modeled truthfulness, loyalty, forgiveness, and a strong work ethic.
Russell enjoyed his career as a heavy equipment operator and was a loyal member of Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers serving the union over 55 years and proudly obtained his Golden Lifetime Membership Card. Russ brought precision and skill to many Chicagoland buildings, bridges, and roads including the 2003 reconstruction of Soldier Field. During the winter season, Russ used his operating skills to remove snow at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport working long 36-hour shifts and held several other roles ranging from Mason shoe salesperson, service station attendant, and even a chauffeur in his early years.
The most rewarding jobs, however, were being father to his children and grandfather to his grandchildren.
Russ grew up in Wisconsin’s north woods where he developed a love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and camping. When Russ moved to Chicago, his love of nature was evident in the hours he spent outside gardening and reading about plants and wildlife. In his spare time, Russ also enjoyed listening to country music and country western dancing and was an avid supporter of our Second Amendment rights and gun safety. He was that rare football fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, cherishing both his Wisconsin and Illinois roots.
A visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 19, from 2:00-7:00 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 305 S. Princeton Ave, Villa Park, IL. The Interment followed in the Spring at Phelps Cemetery in Phelps, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Russell to your favorite charity or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.StJude.org.
Info www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
MIREYA VERA MENDOZA
Mireya Vera Mendoza, age 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
Beloved wife for 38 years to Raymond Mendoza, Jr. Loving mother of Joaquin (Carina) Vera, Hector Mendoza and Esteban (fianceé Alexandra) Mendoza. Cherished grandmother of Arianna. Devoted daughter of Argelia and the late Anthony Vera. Dear sister of Darlene (Jose) Mendez, Carmen (David Ruiz) Vera and Paul (Alexandra) Vera. Kind aunt of many nieces and nephews. Fond daughter-in-law of Catalina Mendoza.
She graduated from Kelly High School in 1974 and attended the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana.
Mireya earned her bachelor’s in Bilingual education in 1978. She went on to earn her Master of Health Services Administration degree from National Louis University in 2008.
Mireya worked diligently as a community advocate. She left a big footprint through her work in the community, in the hospitals she worked for and the legacy she leaves behind. She was active on several boards throughout her career. To Name just a few: Mujeres Latinas en Acción, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education, The Little Village chapter of the American Cancer Society and Benito Juarez High School Vocational Advisory Board, and most recently was elected to serve on the Glenbard Township High School District 87 School Board.
Mireya enjoyed life to the fullest. When she wasn’t working, she was looking for a path to run on, a beach to bury her feet in, and a sunny day to soak up the sun. Her most precious memories were spent with her family, many of which were captured on the white sands of Cancun. She stayed connected to her roots throughout her life. She became an excellent cook of traditional Mexican cuisine. Music ran through her soul and dancing was an expression of her passion for Latin music.
Mireya will never be forgotten by all those who knew her.
Funeral Services were held Monday, December 19, 2022, at Knollcrest Funeral Home. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park, Forest Park, IL.
Memorials to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 (cancer.org) are appreciated. Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400.
PEGGY SEPANSKI
Peggy Sepanski, age 100, longtime Lombardian, died Dec.15, 2022.
Funeral Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Lombard Bible Church, 111 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Interment followed at Arlington Cemetery in Elmhurst.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome or 888-629-0094.
