Ilene C. LeGros (née Berg), age 71, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2025, in Brookfield, Illinois, surrounded by her cherished husband and family, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Her life was a vibrant tapestry of creativity, compassion, and joy that touched all who knew her.
Born on April 14, 1954, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Ilene was the daughter of Romain and Berdella (Severson) Berg. She grew up in rural Wisconsin and graduated from Random Lake High School before pursuing her passion for art at the Ray Vogue College of Art in Chicago. Her education laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would span more than four decades.
Ilene built a distinguished career as a Fashion Artist and Commercial Illustrator in Chicago. For seven years, she worked with Chas. A. Stevens, an exclusive women's clothing chain, where she rose to the position of Lead Illustrator. Her elegant and expressive artwork graced newspaper and magazine advertisements, capturing the essence of fashion with flair and sophistication.
As her career evolved, Ilene transitioned into freelance illustration work, joining a top-tier art agency on Michigan Avenue. There she expanded her repertoire beyond fashion to include commercial illustration projects such as children's books, how-to publications, storyboards for commercials, and numerous commissioned works. For nearly forty years, her versatility and talent made her a sought-after artist whose work brought stories to life with warmth and imagination.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ilene was known for her generous spirit and artistic soul. She continued to create whimsical and meaningful pieces for family and friends throughout her life—each one infused with personal touches that reflected her deep care for others. Whether through a lovingly illustrated card or a custom piece of art, Ilene found joy in making others feel special.
Ilene also expressed her creativity through cooking and gardening. A scratch cook who delighted in preparing meals from fresh ingredients, she took pride in nourishing those around her. Her home landscape was a testament to her eye for beauty—carefully designed gardens and plantings that bloomed under her expert touch.
Her commitment to community service was another reflection of her giving nature. Ilene volunteered at the local food bank and at an upscale women's resale clothing shop that supported a nearby women's shelter—causes close to her heart.
Ilene's warmth extended far beyond her talents; she was known for her big, beautiful smile and quirky sense of humor that could light up any room. She had an extraordinary ability to make new friends wherever she went and made everyone feel seen and valued. Her strength during illness revealed the quiet resilience that defined much of her life—a grace under pressure that inspired those around her. She loved her husband, her family and extended family and friends and they all adored her!
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert LeGros; stepchildren Christopher LeGros (Teresa); Jaime Serback (James); cherished step-grandchildren Leah, Daniel, Casey, and Matthew; brother Gary Berg; sisters Vicky McManus (Doug) and Beverly Hagel (Steve); niece Carmen Cossette Prom (Tim); great-nieces Charlotte, Vivienne, and Margot; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Romain Berg and Berdella (Severson) Berg.
A private Celebration of Ilene's Life is to be held in March, 2026.
Ilene's legacy lives on through the beauty she created—in art, in gardens, in meals shared—and most profoundly in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring comfort to all who loved her.
Born on April 14, 1954, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Ilene was the daughter of Romain and Berdella (Severson) Berg. She grew up in rural Wisconsin and graduated from Random Lake High School before pursuing her passion for art at the Ray Vogue College of Art in Chicago. Her education laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would span more than four decades.
Ilene built a distinguished career as a Fashion Artist and Commercial Illustrator in Chicago. For seven years, she worked with Chas. A. Stevens, an exclusive women's clothing chain, where she rose to the position of Lead Illustrator. Her elegant and expressive artwork graced newspaper and magazine advertisements, capturing the essence of fashion with flair and sophistication.
As her career evolved, Ilene transitioned into freelance illustration work, joining a top-tier art agency on Michigan Avenue. There she expanded her repertoire beyond fashion to include commercial illustration projects such as children's books, how-to publications, storyboards for commercials, and numerous commissioned works. For nearly forty years, her versatility and talent made her a sought-after artist whose work brought stories to life with warmth and imagination.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ilene was known for her generous spirit and artistic soul. She continued to create whimsical and meaningful pieces for family and friends throughout her life—each one infused with personal touches that reflected her deep care for others. Whether through a lovingly illustrated card or a custom piece of art, Ilene found joy in making others feel special.
Ilene also expressed her creativity through cooking and gardening. A scratch cook who delighted in preparing meals from fresh ingredients, she took pride in nourishing those around her. Her home landscape was a testament to her eye for beauty—carefully designed gardens and plantings that bloomed under her expert touch.
Her commitment to community service was another reflection of her giving nature. Ilene volunteered at the local food bank and at an upscale women's resale clothing shop that supported a nearby women's shelter—causes close to her heart.
Ilene's warmth extended far beyond her talents; she was known for her big, beautiful smile and quirky sense of humor that could light up any room. She had an extraordinary ability to make new friends wherever she went and made everyone feel seen and valued. Her strength during illness revealed the quiet resilience that defined much of her life—a grace under pressure that inspired those around her. She loved her husband, her family and extended family and friends and they all adored her!
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert LeGros; stepchildren Christopher LeGros (Teresa); Jaime Serback (James); cherished step-grandchildren Leah, Daniel, Casey, and Matthew; brother Gary Berg; sisters Vicky McManus (Doug) and Beverly Hagel (Steve); niece Carmen Cossette Prom (Tim); great-nieces Charlotte, Vivienne, and Margot; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Romain Berg and Berdella (Severson) Berg.
A private Celebration of Ilene's Life is to be held in March, 2026.
Ilene's legacy lives on through the beauty she created—in art, in gardens, in meals shared—and most profoundly in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring comfort to all who loved her.
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