Search by Name
Search by Name
1962
2018
Laura Wendell
Born: March 29, 1962
Died: May 15, 2018
Laura Wendell, age 56, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 15 after a courageous battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor Laura on Sunday, May 20th at 2:30 p.m. in the chapel at First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Laura's name to Wage Hope at Chicago Purple Stride 2018, sponsored by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. (Please see www.pancan.org for further information. The family will be walking at the June 24th event under the team name "Laura's Angels.")
Laura was born on March 29, 1962, in Hinsdale to John and Marilyn Wendell. She graduated from Downers Grove North in 1980. She took great satisfaction in her work thereafter, spending many years at Kindercare in Downers Grove, sharing her kindness and zest for life with countless children. Most recently, she spent 16 years in administration in DuPage Medical Group's Orthopedic Department at Edwards Hospital in Naperville. She loved ensuring that all ran smoothly for her doctors and patients.
Laura was life of any party, sharing her joy with all those around her. She was happiest spending time with her family and friends - most often at the family's home in Ludington, Michigan. She could regularly be found on Hamlin Lake, outside of Ludington, lounging at the dunes, relaxing in the boat, or even exploring in a kayak. She was an avid traveler, the consummate hostess, a great cook, and just generally loved to try new things.
Laura is preceded in death by her father, John; and her two sisters, Diane and Cheryl.
She will be greatly missed by her two children, Christina of New York, New York, and Brian (Colleen) of Downers Grove; her mother, Marilyn of Ludington; her brother, Steve (Debbie) of Downers Grove; her nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces; and her cousin, Mara Dechene, who was a constant companion to Laura in good times and bad.
Laura received the best of care over the past two years from many doctors, nurses and medical staff members. The family is eternally grateful to them for all of their efforts and support.
We all love you to the moon, Mom!
For information www.toonfuneralhome.com OR 630-968-0408
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Toon Funeral Home - Downers Grove CLOSED.
She was always a good friend when I needed one. Rest in peace Laura.
Lynn Yanuzzi-Paul
Classmate
March 21, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
From the Staff of Toon Funeral Home
May 23, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Laura was a great gal that always brought laughter to the party.
Darlene Cramm
Neighbor
May 21, 2018
Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye to the most beautiful and amazing woman we have had the pleasure of knowing and loving for so many years! Your strength, courage and love of life are truly an inspiration to us all! You will be in our hearts always and we will miss you forever!
With Love,
Edna and Rich
Edna Roberts
Friend
May 20, 2018
Mike Damron
Classmate
May 20, 2018
I'm so sorryto hear about the passing of your mother. She WAS the life of the party. She was extremely sweet. I used to work with her at kindercare. She had such a passion for working with the children. She will be missed dearly!
Yvonne Singer
Coworker
May 20, 2018
I will be forever blessed to have known Laura and shared such wonderful times with her♥ Rest peacefully my dear friend
Nancy Domzalski-OBrien
Friend
May 19, 2018
Lynn and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Lauries passing. God Bless you and give you comfort . With love, Cindy Cane Blind
Cindy Cane Blind
Friend
May 19, 2018
Lauras beautiful, fun and sweet soul will live on in her loving children, extended family and friends. We are blessed to have loved, known or crossed paths with Laura.
Sandy Whitburn-Gilbert
Classmate
May 18, 2018
Such a happy and genuine soul! Laura's smile and demeanor will be missed by all of us neighbors.
Ellen Goff
Neighbor
May 18, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. May God Bless her family during this time and always.
Angie Hird
Classmate
May 17, 2018
So sorry to hear about Laura. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.....
Kay and David Butterfield
Acquaintance
May 17, 2018
Laura was always kind and gracious. You always knew she considered you a friend, and meant it. Genuinely happy and this world was better because of her presence. I know my life was better having her in my path. God Speed to all that she now watches over in heaven.
Jean Stevens
Classmate
May 17, 2018
John Dixon
May 17, 2018
I can't tell you how much I'll miss this sister of 51 years. It's beyond grief and much more than a broken heart. This amazing picture is from a fantastic celebration in Captiva aboard "Miss Piggy" aka Lady Chadwick. What a beautiful remembrance of this unforgettable sister. Love you to the moon and back, sweetie, .
Debbie
Sister
May 17, 2018
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Funeral services provided by:
Toon Funeral Home - Downers Grove CLOSED4920 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more