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).