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SHERYL LAPKA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for SHERYL LAPKA
Sponsored by Vanessa,Greg, and Anya Kutkoski.
Vanessa Kutkoski
November 22, 2022
Sheryl, how can it be 12 years all ready that you were called home? I miss you! Thank you for being such a great friend to me! Vanessa
Victoria
November 24, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Russ Jorgensen
November 22, 2020
As I may have written in the past, I met Sheryl through a mutual friend - a lifelong friend of Sheryl's (a former client of mine that has since become a dear friend of mine over the past 20 years0. Sheryl was beautiful inside and out - and was a kind, caring & peace-filled young woman that loved her family deeply and was fiercely loyal to her friends. Even though I only knew her for a few years, Sheryl left an impressive on me that will last a lifetime - so I have been marking and acknowledging her birthday and the day of her passing every single year starting with her birthday in March 2011...
Jacqueline McCalister
July 8, 2012
Wow, I was thinking of Sheryl tonight and I happened found her obit.
I worked with Sheryl. She always seemed kind and wise beyond her years.
I wish I had known her better, she was a unique and beautiful soul
Cathy Wall
June 2, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing. I saw the wonderful video that was done in her honor. She was such a joy and kind girl to know. How blessed she was to have found you. She left this world too soon. May you, your son and both families find peace and always hang onto the wonderful years that you shared with one another.
Christopher Freeman
January 4, 2011
My condolences to Sheryl's family and friends--I was very sorry to hear of her passing. We were opponents on a couple of cases over the years--she was a smart attorney and made even the tedious fun. And always with style and grace. I know that she'll be missed by everyone who knew her.
December 8, 2010
Jeff and Jake, I am sorry for your loss. Sheryl seemed by all the writings to be a wonderful woman full of love and compassion for others. I pray that God gives you comfort and support.
To Sheryl's parents, as a mother who lost a son too soon, my heart aches for you! I feel your pain, and with times, it will ease, it just never goes away. I pray that God gives you comfort and support as you grieve your loss of your beloved daughter, Sheryl. Keep Sheryl's memories alive, and cherish them close to your hearts.
Stacey Weiss
December 4, 2010
I did not have the pleasure to meet Sheryl, but knowing she is at peace and was surrounded by love at the end will live forever; that her life gave such memories too beautiful to forget and cherished in the hearts of the ones who knew her. I am an old friend of the Lapka family that goes far back, and I to have went through what it is like to loose loved ones from such an unforgiving disease. I can only imagine what great joys she brought to those so dear to her.
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dee Sanders(Osterman)
December 2, 2010
Jeff - It has been along time since I have seen Sheryl. I will remember her at the rugby house with a smile on her face! You and your family will be in my prayers.
Kenneth lawless
December 2, 2010
I never had the priviledge of meeting Sheryl but I heard through my Auntie Evelyn and uncle Ken what a wonderfull person that she was. sending my love to all the family xxx my thoughts are with you all
Patty Ravencroft
December 2, 2010
Sheryl, I love you! I know that you would want us all to learn something from this experience and use it to make our own lives better. I've learned so very much.
• Don't be afraid to tell a friend that you love and treasure them. Tell your family and friends this more often.
• Don't be afraid to say no. Don't feel obligated to do everything that everyone asks of you. Spend your time where you value it the most. This was your news years resolution a few years ago and I've adopted it.
• You will have many different friends in your lifetime that are important to you for very different reasons. You will have those that you call when you want to go to a concert or dance your buns off. You will have those that you call when you want a new travel or family adventure. You will have those that you call for no reason at all. Treasure them all, they are all important!
• Don't wait for life to pass you by. Don't wait for the kids to grow up before you travel. Don't wait for your house to be clean to invite friends over. Don't wait until work slows down before you plan a dinner with your spouse. Don't wait! Enjoy everything that life has to offer NOW!
• Spend your time where it is most meaningful. Make sure that you have a healthy balance of family, friendships, and self. I will always remember Sheryl telling me again and again -- don't forget who you are along the way!
• Make a list of things that you will not miss in your life. In my last few visits with Sheryl, we jokingly made a list of "not gonna miss that" items. Make your lists now and make some changes.
• Sheryl once told my daughter, Bella, to say "I will, I can, I will, I can" and never say "I won't or I can't." Those few little words made such an impact on Bella and she uses that phrase ALL the time now. Shouldn't we?
Life is full of treasures - some that we've uncovered already, like our connections with Sheryl, and some that still await us.
Sheryl, I will cherish all of our great times together and I'll miss you forever! I'll see you in the pool when I get there, my friend!
To Sheryl's family, we send our love. You are in our thoughts.
Marion Sute
December 2, 2010
My heart goes out to Jeff, Jacob, Bev, Ken, Pam, Robin & Evelyn I know her spirit is right around you, it will never leave you. Please accept my sincere condolences. She will be in my heart "Forever". Marion
Bari Baskin
December 1, 2010
I feel so lucky to have called Sheryl my friend for 27 years. Oh how I loved having a friendship with that kind of history to it. She was an amazing spirit and her courageous fight was something to behold. I'll miss her more than I could ever express.
Jeff & Jacob, Bev, Ken, Pam, Robin & Evelyn - my heart goes out to you and you are in my thoughts constantly. We will all make sure we keep Sheryl's memory alive. Her spirit is all around us.
December 1, 2010
My all time recollection of her is as a guest at my wedding. She and Jeff were dancing up a storm and apparently a ring flew off her finger. She was having too much fun to chase down the ring. Just kept on dancing. And that is how she took on her life after she got diagnosed with cancer. We all loved her and miss her greatly. The best to Jeff and Jacob.
Mary Leah Prazak
December 1, 2010
Bev:
I don't know if you remember me, but you and I worked together at Beebe School. My daughter, Rebecca, was a classmate of Sheryl's and she told me of her passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I am so sorry.
Staleys
November 30, 2010
Our family never had the priviledge of knowing Sheryl but from all the wonderful things that Robin, who we dearly love, has told us, she was an amazing individual. We need more role models in the world like Sheryl. We send our love to the family.
Diane, Sandy, Saunders, Shayne
Kerry O'Sullivan
November 30, 2010
I was saddened to hear the news of Sheryl's passing today. She was always so happy and had such a smart balance of work and family that I admired. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
2005 - Dinner at Potter's
Crisanne Lawson
November 30, 2010
I don't think Sheryl and her family will ever know how much her illness and her courage to fight it have changed my perspective on life. My heart goes out to her entire family, especially Jeff & Jacob. This picture is from a dinner in 2005 at Potter's, a Naperville favorite. I will always remember that fantastic smile.
Kim Bush
November 30, 2010
I am a friend of Robin's. I was not fortunate to get to meet Sheryl but I am sure she was a wonderful person just like Robin. My condolences to all the family and friends that were able to be a part of her life.
November 30, 2010
I was so sad to hear of Sheryl's passing. Growing up in Indian Hill together, I was lucky enough to know her from grade school through high school. Her kindness will be missed.
Kelly Jackson Ussery
November 30, 2010
I worked with Sheryl over at HennessY & Roach....I can honestly say that she inspired me alot with in keeping me motivated to continue my workouts as she had the most toned arms I've seen her in Chicago....Always so sweet....she was a wonderful strong woman. I will never forget Sheryl....no more suffering for Sheryl...she's in great hands forever....my condolensces to her family...she will be missed....
Sheryl's Senior Pic, NNHS 1990
Dawn Miller
November 30, 2010
Carl Fritz
November 30, 2010
I used to often see Sheryl working out at the gym at lunch time, and I was always impressed with her discipline, focus, and easy, calming smile. She was never too busy to say hello or ask how things were going with me. Sheryl's kindness, wisdom, and compassion will always be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her. My condolences to Jeff and Jacob.
Dana Brown
November 30, 2010
Jeff and Jacob:
It has been many years since I have had the pleasure of working with Sheryl but the memories are fond. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. Take heart in knowing that she is in a wonderful place right now and that she will remain in your hearts forever.
Emily Giffin
November 30, 2010
I went to high school with Sheryl. At a time when so many focus on the superficial, I remember her kindness and substance. She was so beautiful and smart, a standout in every way that a high school girl could hope to be a standout. But more important, she was always, always nice. To everyone. I can distinctly remember thinking (and writing in my journal) that she was the perfect girl. I think all of our classmates agreed. Sheryl and I weren't close friends in those days, yet began to talk more in recent years. I am a writer, and she came to my book signings when I returned to the Chicago area. I remember one year, after my second book was published, seeing her face in the audience of our hometown bookstore and feeling so excited that she had come. I was appreciative of her support, and just so happy to see her smile again. We went out afterwards with a few classmates, and caught up. I was thrilled to hear about her husband and son, success as an attorney, and the fulfillment she so deserved. Since then, Sheryl and I exchanged Christmas cards. In the middle of her fight against cancer, she took the time, every year, to write a sweet note on my card--more than just a standard holiday greeting. Just a few months ago, she sent me a note telling me that she enjoyed my latest novel and that she was proud of my success. I will always cherish that letter, and feel inspired by her rare ability to be so selfless in the face of a such a terrible disease. Quite simply, Sheryl was special, and she made others feel special to know her and be her friend. To Jeff, her parents, sisters, in-laws, and closest friends--I am so sorry for your unfathomable loss. To Jake, especially, my heart and prayers are with you. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful mother, and although she had to leave you too early, she will be in you and with you, always. I will never forget her, nor will anyone who ever knew her very beautiful light.
Arbitrator Lammie
November 29, 2010
To the Lapka Family – This morning, I first heard about your loss, but it was too late to make the Church service. I would have liked to have been there.
Sheryl practiced in front of us for several years at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. She was great. Always on time, always prepared, always with a smile and a kind word. Never raised her voice or lost her temper. But because she was a tiny, pretty young blond girl, some people under estimated her. A big mistake.
She was a really good Lawyer, and I will miss her. We have lost a star. I can only imagine the depth of your loss.
Sheryl made a lot of friends, and did a lot of good things in her too short time here on earth. But she will be remembered, and you should be so very proud of her. My deepest sympathies.
Rob and Joyce Wetekamp
November 29, 2010
So sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Domenic Maciariello
November 29, 2010
Sheryl and I had many cases together and she was always successful in making an adversarial situation friendly. She will be missed. Her family has my prayers.
Angela Oliver
November 29, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing. She was a great lady and great to work with. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
Tommy Bakken
November 29, 2010
What can I say, I am full of emotion. I am sad and angry right now. I let Sheryl know I loved her and was there for her, as I'm sure all did. The fact that she knew this from everyone was enough, I'm sure, to give her peace in the end. She was one of the lucky ones. God has a plan for us all, and he chose her to join him, sooner than others. We must wait for our time, continue helping others, and live a fulfilling life knowing we are a good person. That will help us have peace when it is our time to go. Sheryl was a good person and I loved her smile. So comfortable to be in her presence. Love to everyone, Tommy
Sophia Woods
November 29, 2010
Although I worked with Sheryl for a short period of time, I found her to be one of the most courageous beings I'd ever met. Despite her illness, I can remember Sheryl always having a beautifully radiant smile, never letting on that she was facing the fight of her life and was just a genuinely kind soul. She never appeared to feel sorry for herself given the hand she was dealt -- she went along her everyday duties better than most. How I admire her for this quality. So with this, I extend my deepest condolences to her loved ones, especially her dear son. God bless him, her husband and the entire family. May Sheryl live on in their hearts forever.
Russ Jorgensen
November 29, 2010
We have known and loved Sheryl for 10 years. She was a generous, loving and caring friend - and an inspiration to us all. She is missed beyond description.
Steve and Jacqui DiMarco
November 29, 2010
Jeff and Jacob,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife and mother.
David Barish
November 29, 2010
Sheryl was my opponent in a case a couple years ago. She fought hard for her client in a complicated case and did well. We had a number of depositions and a contentious case. She always fought hard while handling herself with grace, civility and dignity. Sheryl was an elegant warrior. The Workers' Compensation community will sorely miss her presence and spirit. I am very saddened by her passing and can only imagine how deeply she will be missed by her family and close friends.
Ingrid Lulich
November 29, 2010
We will miss Sheryl at the Commission. She was a strong, brave woman with a wonderful, warm smile. She was an exemplary mother, attorney, and colleague. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Steve Jacobson
November 29, 2010
I had the privilege of knowing Sheryl through our work as attorneys. Sheryl and I were on opposing sides, and I liked Sheryl from the first time I met her. As an attorney, she earned everyone's respect and praise for her work, professionalism, and integrity. As a person, Sheryl always greeted me with a smile and she was so easy to talk to. She was always a happy and compassionate woman. I will always remember that smile of hers.
Chris and Kathy Pelkey
November 29, 2010
The Lapka Family and Friends,
The loss of Sheryl is heartbreaking and I hope your positive memories and your prayers sustain you through this difficult time.
Our daughter passed away a month ago and someone gave us this quiote. It helped us and I hope it helps you.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran
Mary Ann Campos
November 29, 2010
Dear Jeff & Jacob:
I am so sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing. I worked with her a few years ago & will always remember her laughter, kindness & positive attitude. She will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you & your son as well as the rest of her family. We will remember her in our prayers.
Mary Ann & Art Campos
Argy Koutsikos
November 29, 2010
I was very saddened to learn of Sheryl's passing. May God give her family the courage and strength to get through this time of grief. Sheryl was always very gracious and had a positive energy about her. She will be missed.
Rina Patel
November 29, 2010
Sheryl will be truly missed she was an amazing person. We love you Sheryl. Our prayers are with her family. Love Rina & Dharmesh Patel
Shani Liszka
November 29, 2010
Although it has been many years, I had the pleasure to work with Sheyl. She was always so upbeat you could feel the smile on her face even through the phone. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lew Stonehouse
November 29, 2010
I lost track of Sheryl for awhile, after having worked with her for several years. However, we reconnected a few years ago and I always found her humor, coupled with common sense, refreshing and uplifting. Her bravery and positive attitude through her ordeal was nothing less than amazing. In fact, I simply cannot think of any word strong enough to describe it. I, as will anyone who knew her, will miss her.
Jim Recchia
November 29, 2010
Jeff and Jacob: May God bless you and give you the tranquility and peace needed during this time. Sheryl was a spectacular and inspiring woman. I am fortunate that I knew and worked with her.
November 29, 2010
Sheryl,
I feel very lucky to have known you and am saddened by your passing. May god help your husband and son at this very hard time in their life and may you rest in peace..Lori(Young)Higaki
Dora Delima
November 29, 2010
We are so sorry to hear.... Sheryl and her family are in our prayers.
Dora & Marco Delima
November 29, 2010
Jeff,
I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen or spoken to Sheryl for sometime, but knew she was ill. She is a wonderful person. May she rest in peace. My thoughts that prayers are with you and Jake.
Love,
Jeanette Kurtz
Sandra Rybolt
November 29, 2010
To the Family of Sheryl Lapka. I am grateful to have worked with Sheryl who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jodee Blanco-Pantaleo
November 28, 2010
Sheryl was what every woman should be--a beautiful and vibrant wife, a compassionate, loving mother, and a bright light in the lives of all whom she loved and who loved her so deeply in return. I knew Sheryl through my husband Marc Pantaleo, who grew up and remains close to her husband Jeff Lapka and his family. Though Sheryl and I didn't get many opportunities to spend time together, those that we did changed my heart because I realized in knowing her, that there are people on this earth who are special reflections of God's light and love and she continues to fill that role, even from heaven. I remember one day she, Jeff, their precious son Jake, Marc and I were going for a boat ride on Lake Holiday, and I'll never forget Sheryl's tenderness towards Jake. She was transcendent in her love for her child. That memory is etched in my heart. Sheryl, wherever you are, you are what every woman should aspire to be, here on this earth and beyond. Your radiance is eternal. I wish we could have spent more time together. And to the Lapka family, especially Jeff and Jake, I am so sorry for your loss, and so grateful that you knew the love of someone who was such a dear and special light to everyone's whose lives she touched. She was and always will be an inspiration. With all my love, Jodee Blanco-Pantaleo.
Jefferson Junior High
Vicki Nicholson Razmilovic
November 28, 2010
I too haven't seen Sherly in many years. I was lucky to have such a great friend. She was like a big sister to me and protect me and kept me out of trouble in Junior High...And for some reason whenever I think of junior high I think of Sheryl singing Jeremiah was a Bull Frog and made the frogs in science class sing with Mr. Slieck. Sherly will be missed.
Jodee Blanco-Pantaleo
November 28, 2010
Sheryl was what every woman should be--a beautiful and vibrant wife, a compassionate, loving mother, and a bright light in the lives of all whom she loved and who loved her so deeply in return. I knew Sheryl through my husband Marc Pantaleo, who grew up and remains close to her husband Jeff Lapka and his family. Though Sheryl and I didn't get many opportunities to spend time together, those that we did changed my heart because I realized in knowing her, that there are people on this earth who are special reflections of God's light and love and she continues to fill that role, even from heaven. I remember one day she, Jeff, their precious son Jake, Marc and I were going for a boat ride on Lake Holiday, and I'll never forget Sheryl's tenderness towards Jake. She was transcendent in her love for her child. That memory is etched in my heart. Sheryl, wherever you are, you are what every woman should aspire to be, here on this earth and beyond. Your radiance is eternal. I wish we could have spent more time together. And to the Lapka family, especially Jeff and Jake, I am so sorry for your loss, and so grateful that you knew the love of someone who was such a dear and special light to everyone's whose lives she touched. She was and always will be an inspiration. With all my love, Jodee Blanco-Pantaleo.
Jeffereson Junior High
Vicki Nicholson Razmilovic
November 28, 2010
I too haven't seen Sheryl since College but was really good friends with her way back in junior high. She was like a big sister too me and kept me safe and out of trouble. For some reason she always liked to sing Jeremiah was a bull frog... She will be miss dearly!
Dawn Miller
November 28, 2010
Although I haven't seen Sheryl in 20 years, we went to school together in Naperville for all our years. My deepest and most sincere conolences for Sheryls' early passing. I will keep her family and loved ones in my prayers. She will be missed by many.
Dawn (Fraley) Miller
Denise (Winter) Hensarling
November 28, 2010
I grew up with Sheryl in Indian Hill and am saddened by this news. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Angela OGorman
November 28, 2010
Dear Jeff and Jacob,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Sheryl. She is truly an inspiration. My prayers and thoughts are with you in this hard time.
Jake's 4th birthday...
Jennifer Vierling
November 28, 2010
Jeff & Jacob,
You are both in my prayers and Sheryl will forever be in my heart. For every gesture of kindness and every beautiful day will always be reminders of all the fond memories I have of her kind heart and beauty.
Jennifer Vierling
November 28, 2010
Dear Jeff:
We are so sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love you.
Kathy Haney
Tina Di Benedetto
November 28, 2010
I am very sorry to hear about Sheryl's passing. She and I went to Law School together and we practiced in the same area of law. We also shared becoming mom's at the same time. She was an amazing, strong, authentic woman. She is an inspiration for all.
Mike & Elaine Lapka
November 28, 2010
Jeff and Jacob,
We were so very sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing, and were moved hearing of the strength, courage and compassion which she had in preparing her family and friends for what was to come. God has a very special place for souls such as hers. Our prayers are with you all.
Anthony Sute
November 28, 2010
Jeff and Jacob - I am so sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing and extend my deepest condolences to you. Her fighting spirit was an inspiration for us all.
Rasa Fumagalli
November 28, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Sheryl's passing away. I knew her from her work as an attorney at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Sheryl was so bright, vivacious and upbeat. She will be missed by many. Your family is in our prayers.
Jimmy Groom
November 28, 2010
Jacob: I am sorry about your Mom. She will rest in a wonderful place now.
From
Jimmy Groom
Dena Abdallah
November 28, 2010
Sheryl, I am so lucky and blessed to have known you and had you in my life. You will be greatly missed, but are in a far better place now. Jeff and Jacob, my deepest condolences.
Kurt and Amy Woods
November 28, 2010
What an amazing woman. You will forever be in our hearts. We will see you in all of the beauty of the lake. The Woods Family.
Kathy Kessen
November 28, 2010
Dear Jeff and Jacob,
We are so sad to hear of Sheryl's passing. We will always remember her charming and constant smile, gracious laughter, unwavering optimism, and endless sense of adventure. Thankful for the many wonderful times we shared, and for the memories we'll have forever.
You and the entire Lapka family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Ricky and Kathy Kessen
Vanessa Kutkoski
November 28, 2010
My dear, beautiful Sheryl.. You are now at peace and free. Jeff and Jacob, you are forever in our prayers. Love, Vanessa and Greg Kutkoski
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