Cleo Estill

There are some people who come into our lives and are forever treasured. Cleo Estill was one of those rare individuals who remarkably left a lasting imprint on the hearts of many. With her infectious love of life, one would have to be hard pressed not to feel the love that naturally radiated from her. Cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, she will be deeply missed.

From the world of fashion to the world of politics, forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of gaiety filled the air, and The Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature all while bringing a sense of hope to the nation. It was during this time of change when a young couple from Kankakee, Illinois was anticipating the arrival of a new child in their lives. On January 22, 1923, Armand and Mary (Pecchenino) LeBeau celebrated the new year with the birth of their daughter, Cleo Marie at the Emergency Hospital, now known as Provena St. Mary's.

Cleo grew up with her brother, Donald, and enjoyed a typical childhood for the times in spite of the hardships every family across the nation experienced during the Great Depression. Like many children growing up during the Depression era, the experiences faced during those times of struggle shaped many of the attitudes in later years, and Cleo was no exception. A likeable and outgoing young girl, she made many friends during her youth and shared memorable experiences of fun-filled times.

From her earliest years Cleo was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. As a child she listened to games on the radio with her mother and grandmother, and later watched games on TV alongside her husband and own grandchildren. Raised in faith, her family was devout in their Catholic faith and to their church. Cleo attended the local Catholic school and attended an all girls high school. An athletic girl in her own right, she liked playing baseball and played basketball on her school team. She often recalled how getting orange slices at halftime was considered a real treat. During high school Cleo worked at S.S. Kresge & Co. five and ten cent store before graduating from St. Joseph Seminary Girl's High School.

During this time Cleo met the love of her life, Orville S. Estill. They met at a local roller skating rink after he gave Cleo "the glad eye", which always brought about a reflective giggle. Quite a pair, they were excellent skaters which their family witnessed firsthand years later at a school skating function as they impressed all with their roller dancing skills. With the onset of World War II, Cleo began working at the David Bradley Manufacturing Company in the shell plant and gauge room. Once a manufacturer of farm implements, the company converted to defense manufacturing for the sake of the war effort. Before long Cleo and Orville found themselves deeply in love. After dating for a time, they were happily married on October 27, 1945 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Soon beginning a family of their own, Cleo and Orville were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Mary and six years later their son Mark arrived. Cleo was in her element when it came to making a good and loving home for her family. As children of the Depression, they lived simply and were not extravagant by any means. They were thankful and enjoyed all they had been blessed with to meet their needs. Together they lived by way of example which greatly influenced those around them. Most importantly was their love and passion for life which proved to be evident in all they said and did. They took the good with the bad, and weren't afraid of hard work. In all ways, they held fast to their principles yet offered a helping hand when needed. They graciously shared their ethics and philosophies in a most unassuming way.

Along with raising her children, Cleo also worked outside the home. For a time she worked at the Fair Store and at the Sears Meadowview Store in the catalog and men and boys departments. Cleo went on to work at the Carson Pirie Scott Department Store where she worked in five departments including lingerie and accounts payable before eventually retiring. After retirement Cleo spent nearly twenty years volunteering her time at Provena St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, IL.

One of Cleo's greatest blessings was becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. She preferred being called "GG" rather than great-grandmother and will be remembered for her sweet and gentle spirit, devoted to her family and church in every way. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor which was evident in her love of life and laughter. Cleo and Orville made overnights with their grandchildren extra special. Only one stayed at a time so they could give their undivided attention to them. Wonderful and lasting times were shared as they enjoyed bowlfuls of popcorn and root beer and in the mornings they were treated to whatever breakfast they desired. Cleo went all out for each of her grandchildren during these special times.

Throughout her life Cleo remained very devoted to her church. For many years she went to daily Mass during the week and after her husband Orville passed away in 2003 she attended Mass each Saturday morning at the cemetery, followed by lunch with friends and then on to Mass once again on Sundays. Ever faithful, she prayed the Novenas and the Rosary, but always held a special place for the Mother Mary in her heart. Her grandchildren were often recipients of her prayer cards and daily books of reflections. She never pressed them about using them, but they knew she expected them to.

Memorable holidays were enjoyed over the years. Cleo was a great sport in all she did, and immensely enjoyed "re-gifting" Christmas presents to her husband. She always made a big deal over the number of presents everyone had, ensuring each had the same. One Christmas in particular always made for great laughs. About 10 years ago, Cleo and Orville took their knives to be sharpened in preparation for the holidays. After picking them up, she accidentally backed into Orville, sharpened knives and all, while opening the door to their house. It was forever known as the year "grandpa knifed grandma". One can only imagine how embarrassed she was after the trip to the hospital to get her buttock sutured.

Throughout the years she was very involved with her family and was frequently included. Cleo loved being with her family and friends. She also enjoyed daily crossword puzzles and involvement as a member of Provena St. Mary's Auxiliary and CCW of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed discussing everything about "Dancing with the Stars" and when it came to her own appearance, Cleo was very particular. She lived with everything in its place, from the beautiful hair on her head to the priorities she set for herself. Her motto, "you must suffer to be beautiful" was often her prized saying when styling and tugging at the girls hair. Whenever she traveled, her train case of cosmetics and hair things were always close at hand. Even while in her hospice bed, Cleo was worrying about her rosary matching her earrings in the casket! But those things were just a few of many that made Cleo so very lovable.

Cleo will always be remembered for her faith, love of family and generous heart. She was indeed a treasure who will be long remembered and forever missed.

Cleo Marie Estill, age 88, of Bradley, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Provena St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Glenzinski of Franklin, Wisconsin; son, Mark (Michele) Estill of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren: Douglas (Margaret) Glenzinski of Lombard, Jane Glenzinski of Brighton, UK, Jeffery Glenzinski of Portland, Oregon, Sean (Sandra) Estill of Lomita, California, Nicole Estill of Dallas, Texas; great-grandchildren: Abeline, Thomas, and Cleo Glenzinski of Lombard, Rudy and Leo Scholfield of Brighton, UK., Jeremiah Estill of Lomita, California; sister-in-law, Dolores LeBeau of Bourbonnais; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Lebeau.

Services: The funeral Mass for Cleo will take place Saturday, April 16, 2011, 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, Illinois. Visitation: Visitation will be held on Friday, April 15, 2011 from 4-8 PM at the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes-Bourbonnais Chapel. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Right to Life, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or to Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Please visit www.lifesotrynet.com to leave a lasting memory of Cleo, submit a favorite photo or to sign her online guest book.