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1923
2018
Irene Y. Lavelle, (nee Haman) 94, of Prospect Heights was born March 15, 1923 in Nancy, France to Rene and Blanche Haman and passed away January 5, 2018. Professor Lavelle established the Language Department at Harper College. She earned her Master's Degree at Notre Dame and her PHD at Roosevelt University. Irene was the beloved wife of the late Francis M. Lavelle; loving mother of Gilles C. (Jennifer) Sanderson, Patricia N. Hernandez and Nancy E. Bensen; cherished grandmother of 6 and great-grandmother of 6; proceeded in death by her brother, Gaston and her sister, Audette and survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 3-7 p.m. at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL where a funeral service will be held Monday, January 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Heartland Animal Shelter, 2975 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062 or Orphans of the Storm, 2200 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield, IL 60015.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home.
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
January 12, 2018
Laura Guzman
I find myself somehow shocked that such a positive force/light like Irene "Madame" Lavelle is no longer here--even though, at 94, I guess I should not be. However, a dear friend reminded me that it is her light which will always shine through all of those who she has touched. The lessons, morals, talents, stories, lust for life, and sense of adventure and fun that she exuded will shine like a beacon through all who knew her. In that way, she lives on--much like the endless ripples that result when a stone is thrown into the vastness of an ocean. It has been said that one never dies unless one has been forgotten. For my part, I selected this picture to illustrate how her sense of humor, fun, and confidence helped me to stop hiding from life and being afraid to take on challenges or be embarrassed about making mistakes. I am much better at this, some 30 year later, because of Madame. I know that my father will never forget the guidance she gave me all throughout my life. My husband will never forget how she would say and do what she wanted with a confidence that abounded. My 13 year-old daughter, Alyssa, will never forget her times spent feeding the birds and other wildlife with Madame in the back yard. Likewise, she won't forget the endless joy Madame expressed when Alyssa would dance for her. My daughter, Julia, will never forget Madame making her walker into a 6 year-old's entertainment center or singing fun French songs to her just to hear the peal of laughter that would result. I hope these words bring even the tiniest bit of peace to her family and friends right now. I will pray for all of you and for everyone whose grief right now seems insurmountable. However, I also know Madame is in an unimaginably beautiful place right now--in grand style, with some pain-free dancing, and music, enjoying a drink with long lost family, friends and animals--surrounded by the best of both France and America.
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Jan
21
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Jan
22
11:00 a.m.
Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
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Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
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