Mireille Jellema

1933 - 2023

Mireille Jellema
Born: May 1, 1933 in Harvey, IL
Died: April 7, 2023 in Burr Ridge, IL
Mireille Jean Jellema (nee Price) passed away peacefully at King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, Illinois on April 7, 2023. She was born in Harvey on May 1, 1933, and grew up in Blue Island. She was an accomplished musician and painter.
Mireille was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 71 years, Leonard (2022), whom she met in grade school through their siblings who were married. She leaves behind five living children, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law. Cindy (Ed) Williams of Monee; Ken (Karen) Jellema of Blue Island; Steven (Sandy) Jellema of New Lenox; Karen (Elias Alevras) Miller of Palos Hills; Scott (Anna) Jellema of Mokena; and a son-in-law James (Barbara) Burkhardt of Homer Glen. One daughter, Donna (James) Burkhardt preceded her in death (2010). She also leaves 19 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a sister-in-law, Ruth Price and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lillie Price of Blue Island, a brother Harry Price, three sisters and brothers-in-law: Ada and Jack Jellema, Lynn and Dick Byers and Eva and Don Farr. Mireille's greatest accomplishment was raising six children in a Christian home. Mireille could often be heard singing simply for the joy of singing and fostered a love of music throughout her family. She allowed her husband the freedom to follow his dreams of an extensive education that frequently pulled his attention away from home, placing the burden of six boisterous children on her capable shoulders. She was an active member of Green Garden United Methodist Church, serving for over 30 years as organist/pianist, and many years also as Administrative Council Secretary. While there, she helped organize and performed in that Church's Celebration of Music, an annual event widely appreciated for many years in the Green Garden Community. She very much enjoyed sharing her ministry of music at Green Garden and at several area churches that invited her performance at their services and special events. She also served her church as a Trustee.
A celebration of Mireille's life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, beginning with visitation from 10:00 A.M. until her time of funeral service at 12:00 Noon. Interment Green Garden Green View Cemetery, Green Garden Twp., IL. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.