Janet M. Medernach

Janet M. (Lake) Medernach, age 79, of Sycamore, lost her battle with MS, passing quietly into the arms of her Savior, gently ascending into her true home in Heaven, Thursday, November 7, 2019.
She was born on September 10, 1940, in Geneva, too proud parents, Adelbert and Beatrice (Johnson) Lake.
Janet grew up in Lily Lake and attended local schools. She graduated from Burlington Central High School with the class of 1958. Not only did she get her diploma, but she was also seventh in her graduating class.
Janet married the love her life, Sylvester Medernach on June 25, 1960, at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Virgil, IL.
They began their life in an apartment in Sycamore for a time before moving to Virgil. 30 years of laughter and love passed before moving back to Sycamore. Shortly thereafter, Sylvester left a legacy of love when he passed away on June 18, 1995. After declining health set in, Janet welcomed a new family of friends and caregivers at Bethany Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in DeKalb, where she was loved by all.
She spent 32 years working at Verizon where she made many, many friends before retiring in December of 1995.
Janet was a devout member of S.S. Peter and Paul in Virgil where she was also a member and past president of the Altar and Rosary Society. In addition, she also taught Sunday School for many years. Outside of her church duties, Janet found time to dedicate to the Mothers Club of Maple Park. While she was living in the nursing home, she became secretary for the Activity Counsel.
Janet was a loving Mom and Grandma. She was most proud of her family and cherished the memories she made with them, especially her grandchildren.
Early on in her life, every summer she enjoyed traveling to Turtle Lake, WI with her family. Her favorite trip was when she traveled to Colorado. Among her many talents, Janet played the accordion and devoured novel after novel.
Janet corresponded with family and friends through cards and letters. Even after she no longer could write, she received help from caregivers and her friends Judy and Amy, Dixie and Barb so her cards were still faithfully delivered to all she loved.
The world was right when her beloved Green Bay Packers won on Sunday, and she wasn’t a stranger when placing a bet or two on “games of chance”. She also enjoyed playing Bingo while in the nursing home.
She is survived by six children: Suzzane (Randy) Greenman, Karen Medernach, Thomas (Lori) Medernach, Joseph (Sherryl) Medernach, Matthew (Maritza) Medernach and Cathryn (Larry) Peterson; 7 grandchildren: Andrew Woessner, Haley (Cody Parillo) and Taylor Medernach, Kelsey and Jacob Medernach, Lushon Robinson, Jarred and Mariam Medernach; three great-grandchildren: Terrence, Torrence and Tyrrence Robinson; 8 step grandchildren: Randy Greenman II and Kelly (Greenman) Clark, Rhonda (Peterson) McConkey, Todd Peterson, Kaitlin Smith, Gretchen, Courtney and Karla; 4 step great-grandchildren: Logan, Grant, Isabelle, Justin; a sister, Judith (Westphal) Busser; two nephews, Donald and Kenneth Westphal; a niece Barbara (Westphal) Jeglum and a family of friends who will miss her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Sylvester, her parents Adelbert and Beatrice Lake, a granddaughter Caitlin Robinson and a sister in infancy.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., with a rosary to begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 10, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A mass to celebrate her faith will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, November 11, at S.S Peter and Paul Church with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Virgil.
A memorial has been established in her name to benefit Janet’s favorite charities: Checks may be made to the “Janet Medernach Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

A mass to celebrate her faith will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, November 11, at S.S Peter and Paul Church with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., with a rosary to begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 10, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

Interment will follow at S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Virgil.