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In memory of

Jean Violet Sendecki

Palatine, IL

March 9, 1931 - May 3, 2021

Mar 9, 1931 - May 3, 2021

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Jean Violet Sendecki (nee Wismer)

March 9, 1931- May 3, 2021

Laid to rest at St. Michael's Cemetery- 1185 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL 60067 on May 7, 2021.

Jean was the daughter of the late Austin and Margaret McAtee Wismer of Phillipsburg, NJ. She went on her ultimate trip and joined her parents and both her brothers- Austin Wismer and Thomas Wismer, as well as so many other loved ones that have passed before her on May 3, 2021.

She was a mom, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a great GREAT grandmother, sister, friend, a veteran. Her family loved her and she loved them even more. Jean especially loved her grandchildren and had a special bond with each one of them from the very start. She had a large presence in their life throughout all the years they shared together, at times taking on the mom role for her daughters.

Fur mom to several but most notably, Lady, her soulmate with four paws.

When she was younger, she joined the Army after her schooling and met her husband, Richard Smith. They had three daughters together before she moved to Illinois to settle her family. She later remarried, welcoming another daughter.

Throughout her lifetime, she had a variety of jobs. She was a bartender, security guard, junior high school custodian, factory worker, a caregiver. Before she retired, she worked at a group home for adults with special needs where she built forever friendships with some of the residents. After she retired she would visit and take them out to lunch, visit for their birthday and take them home for the holidays with her family.

In her later years, she found her fun with puzzles, garage sale hunting, watching Seinfeld and The Price Is Right. She loved General Hospital and those who knew her KNEW that. There was a constant reminder Monday through Friday not to bother her between 2pm and 3pm. She loved Elvis. She enjoyed being outside as long as it wasn’t raining, sitting in her lawn chair or swinging in a swing, sipping on a Diet Dr. Pepper from a straw as she watched the traffic go by.

She loved to travel and got to see so many amazing places throughout her lifetime. She was able to experience several different cultures with her greatest friends by her side. As she explored the world, she would always remember her family and bring home the most beautiful and thoughtful souvenirs. Going through her suitcase as soon as she returned home was always an exciting and special time with her.

Jean loved going to church. St. Thomas in Palatine, IL was one she spent a lot of time. Every Saturday at 5pm you could find her in the second row, second pew surrounded by her other church going friends. Of course, you could always find her there an hour or more earlier...she always enjoyed watching photos being taken of the bride and groom from the wedding that wrapped before service.

A laugher and a leader, she loved spending time with her friends at the Donald W. Kent Residence- Catholic Charities in Northlake, IL for several years before her passing. It was when she resided there that she came to know St. John Vianney Catholic Church and Father Luke.

Her eyes so bright and smile so big until the very end, knowing she was headed on her greatest journey to date. She didn't seem scared, her spirit still so strong. Showing her fiestyness with her family by her side at all times.

The impact that she had and still has on people is priceless and her lessons will forever be passed on. She is missed every single day but in our hearts we know she is never gone. She is a strong spirt, many of us recognizing when she is spiritually present.

We love you, sweet lady. Always.

The family Jean created:

Children:

Margaret Naramore

Sally Alcina (Jeff)

Nita Whalen (Jim)

Melissa "Missy" Torres (Reyes)

Grandchildren:

Joe Canzolino

Jimmy Oukrust

Samantha Stapleton

Tiffany (Michael) Reihl