Lorraine Ashley

VIEW FUNERAL SERVICE HERE

Lorraine Ashley, née Stenzel, age 99, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.  Beloved wife of the late Maynard Ashley. Loving mother of Robert (Nancy) Ashley, Patricia (William Mock) Ashley, Donald (Lisa) Ashley, James (Beth) Ashley, and Barbara (Robert Seaney) Ashley.  Cherished grandmother of Colleen (Matthew) Taylor, James (Amy) Ashley Jr., Nicole (Michael) Quien, Michael (Jenna Gagen) Ashley, Jonathan (Nellie Suto-Ashley) Ashley, Jennifer Ashley, and the late Meaghan Ashley. Great-grandmother of five great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.  Also preceded in death by mother Stella Tsantilis and brother Irvin Stenzel.  Lorraine was loved by many and will be dearly missed by family and friends, including the Enri and Casper families, devoted neighbors Ron and Bev Sulkowski, and her dear caregiver, companion, and friend, Heather Van Dommelen.

Lorraine, who grew up on the near NW side of Chicago, was the first in her family to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Chicago Teacher’s College, and teaching in the Chicago public school system, she married Maynard in June 1950 and raised five children. Later, Lorraine enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, piano recitals, and band concerts. She was a lifelong reader and developed many interests over the years, including fishing, bowling, theater, and world travel. She loved to laugh and was known for her wry sense of humor.  She was a great listener, wonderful source of grounded wisdom, and comfort for loved ones in challenging times.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, December 27, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St., South Holland, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to https://www.eriefamilyhealth.org/support/donate/ . If you’re feeling ill or are otherwise unable to join us, the service will be live streamed from our Facebook  page at https://www.facebook.com/SmitsFH .  Private inurnment will occur later at the Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood, IL. For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com.