June M. Merritt

June M. Merritt, nee Kaufman, age 93, of Elwood, formerly of Dolton, IL.  Born May 29, 1929 and passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 28, 2022.  Loving wife of the late Russell A. Merritt (2009).  Devoted mother of Michael (Janet) Merritt, Judy (Guy) Easoz, June (Bill) Hirschenberger, Jane (Don) Manning, and Russell (Gina) Merritt.  Proud grandmother of 12: Michael (Katie), Chris (Krysta), Jeff (Lynsey), Jim (Lauren), Matt (Lauren), Caitlin (Brad), Abigail (Mike), Daniel, Maura (Alex), Jack, Grace (Tyler), and Russell; great-grandmother of 16.  Preceded in death by her parents Edward “E.K.” and Aurelia “Babe” Kaufman.  Dearest sister of the late Jack Kaufman, Dorothy Sweeney, Jean O’Brien, and Jessie Connolly.  Kind aunt and great-aunt of many nieces and nephews.

June was a dear friend, loved by many, including the Couples Club from the Southside, and her St. Jude family that she truly embraced. She was a faithful servant of the church, demonstrated by her attendance at Mass, her daily rosary and novena at 10:00 a.m. (you knew not to call her), and a rosary in every purse and coat pocket.  She had a love of water from her early childhood with many days spent swimming at Rainbow Beach, Sisters Lake, and in her later years, the YMCA.  Also, a special thank you to mom’s caregiver, Stephanie.  June will be dearly missed, may she rest in peace.

Visitation Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until time of the time of the prayer service at 11:15 a.m. from Forsythe Gould Funeral Home 507 S. State St. Manhattan, IL 60442, to St. Joseph Catholic Church 235 W. North St. Manhattan, IL for a 12:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial.  Private family interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery – Alsip, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Lightways Hospice of Joliet, appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home James E. Janusz Director.  For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.smitsfuneralhome.com