Madelaine Y. Zander

Madelaine Y. Zander, nee Aubert, age 82, of Thornton, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Beloved wife of Raymond A. Zander. Loving mother of Kimberly (James) Callahan, Jennifer (George) Saraivanov, and Daniel (Sharon) Zander. Cherished grandmother of Jessica, Rebecka, and Raymond McCrary, Danielle and Sean Zander; step grandmother of Jaime (Nick) Rangos, and step great-grandmother of Athena Rangos. Dear sister-in-law of the late Margaret Pearson and Janet (late Alton Jr.) Sanders. Proud aunt of several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Caspar and Alice Aubert.

Madelaine was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1943 and became a United States citizen on December 13, 1966. As a counselor, she helped many people walk through various trials and addictions. Later in life, Madelaine was also a crossing guard in Thornton, making friends with all of the children. She loved to garden and grow beautiful flowers. She had a great love of her pets, both dogs and cats. Madelaine was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 508 Chicago Rd, Thornton, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to National Aphasia Association (www.aphasia.org). 

Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home – Dyer, IN. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com