Obituary of Marie Ghilain

Ghilain, Marie E. (nee Schwab) Age 104, of the Timbers of Shorewood, and a lifetime Joliet resident, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, December 21, 2011. The centenarian was born July 15, 1907 in Joliet to the late Bessie and Jacob Schwab. She attended various grade schools throughout her youth and graduated with the class of 1926 from Joliet Township H.S. During high school Marie worked for Gerlach Barclow, painting greeting cards. She received her Associates Degree from Joliet Junior College in 1928 and then began teaching at the Cronin School, a rural one room schoolhouse on West Black Road, currently located on the grounds of the JJC Campus. Marie was the oldest living alumna of JJC. Soon after marrying Gaylord W. Ghilain, she and her husband started their family. As it was in those days, Marie chose to stay at home and raise her family. However, after raising her family, her teaching career resumed at Chaney-Monge School where she taught many grades for 21 years and retired in 1975 as a reading specialist in the media center. A gifted educator, she was also an ambitious student receiving a Bachelor Degree from the University of St. Francis in 1957 and a Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University in 1972. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Gaylord in 1963; one sister, Irene Gillis, and one brother, Ford Schwab. She is survived by two daughters, Joan Ashkin of Punta Gorda, FL and Carol Ghilain of Vista, CA; one son Russell (Cathe) Ghilain of Shorewood; six grandchildren, John (Maria) Donaldson, Mark (Lori) Streator, Dawn (Howard) Kuypers, Susan (Steve) Nichols, Carol Douglas and Ryan Disera, her step-grandson; several great-grandchildren; great-great-granchildren, nieces, nephews and cousin Dorothy Riblon also survive. Marie was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for nearly 80 years. She taught Sunday school and was a member of the choir for over 30 years. She traveled extensively after retirement to such countries/places like Australia, Greece, Hawaii, England, Fiji Islands, Tahiti and throughout the USA. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed the Talking Books program offered by the state for people with Macular Degeneration. Marie enjoyed painting, drawing, fishing, poetry, music, photography, tatting, quilting/embroidery, sewing, knitting and especially Loons, the Minnesota State Bird. She will be missed for her smile, laughter and kindness. Thank you to her personal caregivers Maureen Frank and Michelle Mahoney as well as Willow Home Care, Vitas Hospice and the CNA's and staff at the Timbers of Shorewood for their compassion and loving care. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7th, at Grace United Methodist Church, with visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and service to follow with Pastor Michael R. Hickok officiating. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park and luncheon to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Grace United Methodist Church or JJC Cronin School Scholarship Fund would be appreciated. The JJC scholarship will honor the memory of Marie. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: 815-741-5500