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BORN
1922
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Leona Budilovsky Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Leona Budilovsky
Joan Budilovsky
May 28, 2020
It's been 4 years since my mother passed, June 2, 2020 and I still think of her and my father daily with love. Over the past few years, a tree was planted in their memories at Delnor Woods in St Charles and on the walking trail behind the Oak Brook Park District. This year we will be planting a Magnolia Tree in our backyard. All planted with deep gratitude and love.
Josephine Budilovsky
November 16, 2016
On Nov 16, 2016, at 8:21 AM, Josephine Budilovsky wrote:
My grandmother was always known for her smile. She was always able to smile through everything and make any moment seem positive even if it was not. She had an immense amount of wisdom that she would share with anyone that was willing to listen. Always explaining her own life scenarios that taught her what decisions to make in life, helping guide all her grandchildren. All she ever wanted was to always be with my grandfather and now she is eternally with him at peace. Their love is truly an inspiration for anyone because it was limitless and never ending, truly something you see in movies.
Jane Zeck
September 17, 2016
My mother was special and loving in so many ways. She provided us with a roof over our head, food in our bellies and so much more. She was a great cook and I will always love her chicken and dumpling soup. Some of my fondest memories of her are when we used to go on shopping trips as a child. She would even let me pick up some of the groceries for her and then I got to keep the change. She always told me to use it on myself and I would go to Ben Franklin to get gum.
My mother also knew how to throw a great party. I remember some of the fun games that we would play. She was a great host and kept everyone entertained. Oh, and the vacations! I could go on and on about the vacations She always ensured that us kids were taken care of.
I miss my mother and my father very much and I love them so.
Ben Kuzniar
September 16, 2016
What a wonderfully full life Lee lived dedicated wife & mother/mother in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, a loving spirited force of nature, whose life and memories will always be cherished and treasured.
Richard Zeck
September 15, 2016
My Grandmother was an amazing woman and is missed by us all dearly.
out for a stroll in the park...
Joan Budilovsky
September 15, 2016
Always a twinkle in her eyes...
Joan Budilovsky
September 15, 2016
Joan Budilovsky
September 15, 2016
Grandma/Grandaughter, Becky
Becky Gonzalez
September 14, 2016
One thing grandma always said was that she was going to live to be 111. I don't know where that number came from but it was her number. She had been on hospice the last two years and it sure felt like she was fighting for that 111 mark. While that didn't happen, she made it well into her 90s and lived an amazing life. From her story of immigration to falling in love with a ballroom dancer like herself, to marrying her love who was a funeral director, to end up styling the deceased hair as part of the business! Grandma became an incredible author and now I can read her story as well as so much of my family history through her eyes in the books that she's published.
I have so many memories of Grandma that start in my childhood.
The giant parties in her basement,
Santa clause coming over every Christmas,
The model train around their Christmas tree,
Sarge, her giant german shepherd that I was scared of but wish I knew him now,
Her visiting us in Minneapolis and attending my softball games and neighborhood block parties,
All the polish and Czech food I ate and learned about every time I came back to Chicago,
Her red, brick, ranch-style home and each room with distinction,
The photo albums that flooded her basement,
The Eastern European vacation she took me on to explore our genealogy!
Not only does my mind fill with memories but with gratitude for all she and my grandpa did for our family to get us back on our feet so many times.
But the most special memory I have was seeing my grandparents love each other for over fifty years. Every time grandpa called grandma sweetheart and every time she wanted to be where he was in the house. When Grandma laughed at grandpa's jokes, the same ones he told over and over. When they held hands and of course when they danced. When their playful banter always followed up with an endearing expression like the words, sweetheart or I Love you.
I love the thought of grandma being with grandpa again!
Also, while she never got to meet my youngest daughter, I felt she was watching us at her funeral and got to meet her when I held her in my arms as I visited her casket.
I love you Grandma!
Mary Rose Williams
August 30, 2016
Love to you,Lee! I was glad that I was able to share part of your later in life's journey with you. You said you would remember me:) And I you!
Blessings to you always,
Mary Rose
Life everlasting
Joan Budilovsky
August 20, 2016
Joan Budilovsky
August 20, 2016
Life moves forward...
Joan Budilovsky
August 20, 2016
William Schubert
August 10, 2016
Dear Joan and Family,
Deep condolences are extended to you and your family.
Wishing you peace.
Bill Schubert and family
Maryann Correa-Wnukowski
August 9, 2016
This is a tribute to Leona "Lee" and her husband, John. I became friends with their daughter Joan in high school so I spent lots of time hanging with the "Buds". This took place during the early '70s, a time of riots in the schools. The "Buds" created a haven for Joan and her sister Jane and their friends. We could all come over and be regular American teens in their basement. "Lee" had us playing "parlor games" and brought down fresh-baked cookies. Where other parents seemed distracted, Mrs. Budilovsky and her husband John welcomed and encouraged us. God speed, Mrs. B.
Gregory Pittsley
August 7, 2016
Dearest Joan, Ben and Benny,
My heart is with you during this sad time. For those of us who are lucky enough to have had exemplary mothers, their transitions are heartbreaking even if they have enjoyed long and love-saturated lives, which Leona certainly did. You will be in my most prayerful thoughts in the coming months. Love, Greg Pittsley
Joseph Quinn
August 7, 2016
Condolences and blessings to the friends and family who held her so dear.
August 7, 2016
August 7, 2016
August 7, 2016
August 7, 2016
August 7, 2016
August 7, 2016
August 7, 2016
The Sponslers
August 7, 2016
❤
grandchildren and daughter, Jane
August 7, 2016
The Budilovsky Family
August 7, 2016
Joan Budilovsky
August 7, 2016
A beautiful article was written about my mom and dad in the Chicago Suntimes. It appeared in Sunday's paper. Here is the link on-line for you to read:
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/funeral-home-owner-leona-lee-budilovsky-dead-at-94/
I am sure my mom wanted to get up to heaven in time for my dad's 100th birthday July, 6. No doubt they are dancing beautifully together now.
18 years ago, on September 23, 1998, My mother had a major stroke. The doctors did not know if she would make it. I knew she would - I hoped and prayed she would - I slept at her bedside in the hospital for weeks, encouraging her. The hospital staff often wheeled in a bed for me to sleep on beside her, making the night stay more comfortable. My dad was there every day too. My sister and family came up to see her. Her brothers did as well. My brother, John, even moved into a room there at the hospital two floors above mom's. Being the trailblazer he was, he paved the way to heaven for her and my father...as my brother died shortly later in the hospital November 13, 1998.
But my mom and dad survived, heart broken but wanting so much to live...so they continued writing, became authors, continued traveling (I know cause I was with them;-) and loving their children and grandchildren and relatives and friends...
From September 23 on, my parents lives changed drastically, and so did mine. Once footloose and fancy free, I was now suddenly a full-time stay at home caregiver. Caregiving is a maze to travel along, as uniquely complicated as each person is.
Through the years since, so very many people have helped us in this incredible and heartfelt journey. I have learned so much about caregiving and caregivers...I could write a book. And for those of you who know us, that may just happen. But for now, too broken hearted to attempt.
Both my parents lived great lives right up to the end - and I am sure this is from the strength of their dear long friendships and family who rallied around and really did care.
I miss you mom. I am going to continue trying my best to make heaven on earth here tho for a good time longer. Will catch up when we do.
Oh my, I do so love you mom and dad. Thinking of you both dancing heavenly together again gives a smile to my tears.
Keep writing! Oh the stories you can tell...
love,
Joan
Nancy O'Keefe-LaPratt
June 19, 2016
Joan & Jane,
My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with both of you and yours during this time. Our God is embracing your Mom with His grace and peace. I have fond memories of our childhood in Westchester...playing on Stratford and Hawthorne alley, climbing mountains of snow in your parking lot & more. I also remember your Dad and brother. Take good care. (I just heard about your Mom's books and hope to get copies soon and enjoy them.)
Xmas
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Daughter and Mom strolling the Fox River
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Easter Egg Hunting with Grandson
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Easter Egg Coloring with Grand Daughter
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Birthday Celebrating
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Playing games on New Years Eve
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Lee giving grandson a ride with Daughter following
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
The Author Book Signing
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
The Author
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
reading stories
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
waiting for the parade
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Lee with Krystyna, Daughters, Grand-daughter, and Daughter-in-law
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Lee & Loretta Vargo
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Picture for Grandma by Grandson Benny
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Family photo - Lee 7
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Lee and Brothers
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
Mom & Daughter Love
Joan Budilovsky
June 9, 2016
From the Staff of Conboy's Westchester Funeral Home
June 8, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Shirley Slanker
June 4, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family of "Lee". She always had a smile and was willing to take on anything. I think of her when I look at my bookcase and see all the wonderful books that she wrote. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother to John and her children. She was always working right along side of John when they owned the Budilovsky/Westchester Funeral Home never tiring. I always think of the family when I drive thru and stop and visit my family who are buried at Bohemian National Cemetery.
Jack Pantaleo
June 4, 2016
Leona always bloomed where she was planted. She always followed her dreams with the help of her family, especially her loving stalwart daughter, Joan, along with Ben and Benny.
All my love,
Jack Pantaleo
Bonnie Farnon
June 4, 2016
Dear Joan and Jane,
I am so, so sorry that your sweet mother has passed away. I liked her very much; her humor, her stories and how dedicated she was to telling them. I picture your mom and dad dancing, happy to be in each other's arms again. May they both rest in peace.
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Jun
6
Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL 60154
Jun
6
Service
10:00 a.m.
Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL 60154
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Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL 60154
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