Jeanette Rees

Jeanette Esther (Zeno) Rees, May 16th, 1930-October 22nd, 2025
A life full of family. A life full of laughter and love. Jeanette was the heart of our family-the beloved matriarch whose joy, humor, and kindness taught us how to live in the moment and cherish the simple things. Born and raised in Melrose Park, IL, she grew up surrounded by the noise and comfort of a large Italian family. She was one of 12 children and the small home was full of relatives, conversation, and delicious meals. She married young to John Domalick, raising three children-Barb (Tim) Sullivan, Larry (Linda) Domalick, and Susan (Steven) Hill-and later, with her husband Edwin Rees, welcomed her youngest, Karen (John) Elwood.
Jeanette's life was stitched together by simple joys: cooking, cleaning, television, and the steady rhythm of family gatherings. She held many jobs over the years and always carried herself with grace. She loved flowers, a good tomato "gravy," gold costume jewelry, and a perfectly kept home-especially her crisp, clean white carpeting. Her many grandchildren adored her: Eric (Carly), John (Ally), Rick, Jim, Jackie (John), Christine (Josh), Michelle (Daniel), Josh, and Kaleb. Throughout her long life, she was a devoted sister, loving auntie to her many nieces and nephews, and the type of dependable cousin that could elicit smiles from the rest of the family. Friends, co-workers, and minor acquaintances relished in her laughter and light. Her great grandchildren are richer for having her in their lives: Logan, Auden, Isabel, Lucy, Kolbe, Michaela, Mary, Lucas, Felicity, Adeline, and Cora.
She lived her faith quietly but deeply, modeling kindness and forgiveness. She had no quarrel with God. Jeanette could worry, sure - but she also knew how to be fully present. She remembered birthdays and anniversaries, sent cards and gifts, and never missed a chance to share a hug, a kiss, or a laugh at learning some new incredulous thing. She was never perfect, but she always looked it-hair combed and set, lipstick on, perfume just right. Jeanette Rees lived well, loved deeply, and left her mark on all who knew her. We take comfort in knowing she is now held in God's arms, reunited with those she loved.
A visitation will take place on Monday, October 27, 2025 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at The Healy Chapel Sugar Grove, 370 Division Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, at 10:30 AM. Following the funeral service, the family will be having a luncheon at Village Bible Church, 847 Route 47, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Graveside services will take place at Fairview Memorial Park in Northlake, Illinois.