Date of Birth
May 16, 1929
Date of Death
July 5, 2021
Cecelia M. Lund, age 92, of Sycamore, IL, formerly of Lily Lake, passed away quietly at her home, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Monday, July 5, 2021.
She was born May 16, 1929, in Elburn, IL, to proud and loving parents, Cecil and Helen (McNair) Gum.
Cecelia grew up in Elburn and attended local schools. She graduated from Elburn High School with the class of 1947 but not before taking her turn under the spotlight as “Amy” in the high school production of Little Women.
Norbert Lund spent several years sitting behind Cecelia in high school, but she quickly became front and center in his heart. After graduation and just before Norbert was drafted into U.S. Army, they were united in marriage on December 30, 1950. That blessed day began a marriage that would last 70 years and encompass a lifetime of love, laughter, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cecelia worked for several years at Burgess Norton Manufacturing while Norbert served his country. Upon returning to civilian life, Cecelia and Norbert moved to Michigan for a time before returning to Illinois, settling west of Geneva, before finding their home in Lily Lake. They would welcome six children into the family and as they grew, Cecelia went back to work for a time as a bus attendant, riding with and overseeing the welfare of those students in the special education program. Before long, Cecelia would lavish 100% of her love and attention on her children and later beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cecelia was a proud member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, a very active parent, ardent supporter and past president of the PTO and Band Boosters. She also made time for her membership in the Quivera Club of Elburn.
Cecelia was a tireless mother who cherished any time she could spend with family. She created a comforting home filled with the enviable savory aromas wafting out of her kitchen on a daily basis. Everyone was expected to be seated for lunch and dinner boasting of made-from-scratch meals that never failed to satisfy. Family gatherings brought Cecelia much joy throughout the year, but it was understood that Christmas was “her” holiday and attendance was cheerfully mandatory. The Elburn Day’s Parade was always circled on her calendar and celebrated every year, no more so than when she and Norbert were the Grand Marshall’s in 2017. She was witty, had wonderful sense of humor and kept a special place in her heart for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made every effort to attend as many of their activities as possible showing support and showering them with love and attention, relishing the differences and uniqueness in each and every one. Vacations were a rare commodity as farm duties kept them close to home, but she indulged in her love of colonial history with visits to Williamsburg, Gettysburg and Washington D.C. Her hands were rarely idle, sewing clothes and creating quilts imbued with love in every stitch. Cecelia’s hands were no stranger to getting dirty either, especially when she was busy in her garden or tending to her flower beds. With a sad and empty heart, we say goodbye to a wonderful woman and remember fondly her words and deeds that will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Norbert Lund; 6 children: Elizabeth (Christopher) Baldwin, Mark (Christine) Lund, Christine Lund, Sarah (Douglas) Vander Waal, Barbara (Matthew) Whalen and Paul (Barbara) Lund; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and a community of friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Helen Gum and three sisters: Carrie Petrie, Helen Westlake and Elaine Johansen.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 9, 2021, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 10, also at the funeral home. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elburn American Legion Auxiliary and mailed to 112 N. Main St., Elburn, IL 60119. Memories and tributes may left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook page or at www.conleycare.com where you can see her full life story.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 9, 2021, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 10, also at the funeral home. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elburn American Legion Auxiliary and mailed to 112 N. Main St., Elburn, IL 60119. Memories and tributes may left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook page or at www.conleycare.com where you can see her full life story.