Laura L. Jendrzejewski
Obituary's Biography:
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Laura L. Jendrzejewski, 72, of Wheeling, Illinois, formerly of Antioch, Illinois, on October 31, 2024. After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Laura embraced her eternal rest, surrounded by love.
Born on February 17, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Laura was a bright light from the very beginning. She graduated from Rockford University with a BA in Education, where she not only nurtured her passion for teaching but also found her soulmate in John Jendrzejewski. Their 49 years of marriage were filled with laughter, adventure, and an unbreakable bond that inspired everyone around them.
Laura’s greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, John, and their two cherished daughters, Karen (Matt) Clutter and Jessica (Buzz) Leffelman. Her grandchildren—Johnny, Brook, Nate, Grace, Chelsea, and Lydia—were the apples of her eye, and she reveled in every moment spent with them, filling their lives with warmth, stories, and her signature love.
Laura’s legacy lives on through her sister, Gail (Frank) Caponi, along with numerous nieces, a nephew, grandnieces, and grandnephews, who all carry a piece of her spirit. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lars and Margaret Parker, and her dear sister, Sharon Guntly.
Laura had a rare ability to make everyone feel special, always offering a kind word or a listening ear. Her strength, compassion, and unwavering positivity left a mark on all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.
A memorial visitation and service to celebrate her remarkable life will be held on November 8, 2024, at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, with a service commencing at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, supporting the fight against a disease that took so much but could never diminish Laura’s light. For more information, please visit www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847) 223-8122. Let us remember Laura not just for her struggle but for her boundless love, her laughter, and the legacy of joy she leaves behind.
Dear John,
Scott and I send our love and condolences to you and your family. We remember you and Laura well while at Rockford College. Laura was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She lit up any room she entered, and will be missed by all who knew her. With love, Emily and Scott Johnson
John (JJ),
Laura was such a dear person, and one of my very favorites from Rockford College. She will be missed terribly, but you were blessed to have so many years together. My condolences to you and your family—all of you will be in our hearts and thoughts.
With sadness, Bob Herdegen
I adored Laura. She had a personality that shone so brightly. I’m so glad I knew her.
She will remain in all our hearts.
Much love to you and your family.
John & family : My condolences to you and your family for the loss of Laura. She was my birthday buddy, since I was born one day after hers. I always looked forward exchanging cards with her. You were so lucky to have Laura a part of your life. A person who cared for others. How wonderful is that. I am so grateful for having known her. Peace to you all during this difficult time.
JJ, I am saddened to think of Laura not being in your world any longer. In the way back machine I dearly remember her as the girl with not a single bad bone in her body, she had an ethereal sweetness. You and your family were surely blessed. My sympathies, John. Pancho
JJ:
We were shocked and saddened upon hearing the news of Laura’s passing. Please know that our deepest sympathies flow to you and your family. Laura was one of the finest persons that we have ever met. God Bless, Chris and Jeff
Dear John,
I was so saddened to hear of Laura’s passing. It must have been a very difficult time for you—I can’t imagine—but as you wrote she is now at peace.You are both in my thoughts and prayers. —Ted Karrison
Im so sorry Gail to you and all the family for this loss. Laura was so smart, funny and always so nice. May she rest in peace and strength to the family.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It was my honor and privilege to work with Laura at Millburn School. She was an intelligent and consummate professional who was kind and inspiring for her students and co-workers. On a personal note, she will never be forgotten for how she supported and encouraged my son on his academic journey through second and third grade. How fortunate we are to have known Laura. My deepest sympathy.
We were so saddened to learn of the passing of Laura. There are no words to describe how much she will be missed. Laura was such a bright light. She was one of the kindest, most genuine people that we had the pleasure to have known. Sending our thoughts and love to you and your beautiful family.
To have been able to call Laura my friend is one of my life’s greatest blessings. I treasured our time together at Millburn School and will always be thankful for the love and laughter she brought to my world. My love and prayers include you all and Dave and I send our deepest condolences.
Hearing of Laura’s passing brought on a flood of fond memories. Her positive attitude in her classroom and with the staff at Millburn was a part of what made Millburn School a pleasant and caring place to be. Having taught her daughters it is evident that she & John have been exemplary parents.Laura lived her life caring for others in many ways. She will be missed by many. We send our sympathy
Dear John and Gail,
We were so saddened to hear of Laura’s passing. She was one of my favorite cousins. Her wit (she did a great Ladybird Johnson and Carol Burnett!) was omnipresent, but also her concern for others (not to mention her musicality) made her a very special person. Her sincerity was unmatched. She will be deeply missed, but memories of her will live on forever. In deepest sympathy, Jon
To Laura’s family, I was sad to hear Laura suffered with Alzheimer’s. We were good friends way back in high school and she was one of the nicest, smartest friend you could ask for. She provided the beautiful flowers for my wedding too!
I recently found a photo of her (Homecoming Queen , 1969) and me at the crowning ceremony. Very exciting times.😊
I haven’t seen her in many years but it sounds like she was a great mom, wife, and teacher. 💜
Dear John and family~ I am so saddened to hear of Laura’s next journey~and enlightened and unwavering joy that she brought to so many. She loved people and I always loved talking with her about your girls and home away from home in Arizona. The moment I walked into your home on Glendale Court in Lindenhurst I felt like we had a friendship. Sending love and prayers.❤️
My deepest condolences to you all. Mrs. J was my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. She is the teacher who molded me the most into the person I am today. Her positivity, kindness, patience, and empathy truly guided me to build a solid foundation for life. I can’t thank her enough for what she did, and I will always smile when I remember her.
To John, Karen, Jessie and the entire family of Laura, my deepest condolences are with all of you. One of God’s greatest gifts to us.. is memory. Your hearts will forever be filled with all the wonderful and loving memories you shared. God Bless you all. With prayers, Dawn