Janice Wren

JANICE WREN, 70, of Elburn, passed away at her home surrounded by the love and prayers of her family on Tuesday September 3, 2013.BORN: She was born May 17, 1943, the daughter of Alvin and Pearl Hetland in Ottawa, IL. She attended local schools before graduating from Malta High School. EARLY YEARS:In the mid 1950’s Jan checked coats for the local high school basketball team. One night, a young man by the name of Ted Wren attended a game. Thant night Jan checked more than his coat, she checked his heart, giving hers in return. Shortly after high school Ted would ask Jan to be his wife. Their plans were temporarily put on hold when Ted went off to faithfully serve his country. During the Korean War, Ted found the time to make it home on leave to marry the love of his life. On June 24, 1961 Jan and Ted would finally have their unforgettable day. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: Later that year the newly weds would make their home in Sycamore, where they would spend the next 10 years. In 1971 the couple moved their family to Elburn where they made memories to last a lifetime. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY: During Jan’s high school years she worked for a jewelry store in Sycamore. After moving to Elburn, she worked for Anderson’s Grocery Store. It wasn’t until an opportunity to waitress at the Country Kettle, that she found her true calling. Throughout the years she made countless friends, often who would wait around for one of her tables to become available. Even though she truly loved her work at The Country Kettle, her love for Ted was much more. When Ted’s health needed attending to she provided everything he needed. LIFE NOTES: Jan and Ted enjoyed the outdoors together especially attending to their garden and yard. She enjoyed watching birds and rabbits. Jan truly Lived life for others, Loved unconditionally, and Laughed often. There was nothing more important to her than her family. All holidays were spent at her home with a home cooked meal specially made for those who meant the most to her. Her constant companions, her cat Butter and dog Molly, were always by her side. Jan always put her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren first. She was their biggest supporter in everything her children did, always offering advice and encouragement when needed. Even as her children grew, they always knew that they could always go home to the love and support that only "mom" could provide. When Ted’s health began to decline, he wanted nothing more than to be home. Jan made that possible by providing everything and more to the one who held her heart since high school. Jan wanted nothing different in her final days and her children made it possible. She made it home the morning of September 3 and just as she settled in to the comfort of her bed, she drifted off. Her new home is in Heaven, where she is reunited once again with Ted. SURVIVORS: Three children:Gary Wren of Maple Park, IL, Anna Wren of Woodland, AL and Susan (Dan) McGuffin of Elgin, IL,Carolyn and Vicki who were like daughters to her;Eight grandchildren:Christina Wren, Michael Wren, Meg McGuffin, Connor McGuffin, Hunter McGuffin, Andrew (Anthea) Lowery, Shawn Lowery and Rebecca (Jackie) Vaughn; Five great-grandchildren:Jacob, Jonathan, Emily, Alayna, and Wrangler;One brother Myron Hetland;And a Country(Kettle)side of friends. PRECEDED:She is preceded by her parents and her husband of 50 years, Ted Wren.VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be Sunday September 8, 2013 from 2-6pm, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral service celebrating Jan’s life will begin at the funeral home Monday September 9, 2012 at 11am, a visitation will be from 10am until the time of service. Rev. Laura Crites, pastor of Hinckley First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery in Elburn. MEMORIAL Tributes and Condolences can be mailed in care of "The Wren Family" to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119 or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be Sunday September 8, 2013 from 2-6pm, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral service celebrating Jan’s life will begin at the funeral home Monday September 9, 2012 at 11am, a visitation will be from 10am until the time of service. Rev. Laura Crites, pastor of Hinckley First United Methodist Church, will officiate.

Interment will follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery in Elburn.