Jeanne Lancaster Edwards

Jeanne Lancaster Edwards passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 2, 2025, surrounded in love by her family. Her life was a legacy of love, kindness, and joy to all that she held close to her heart. 

The daughter of John and Marjorie Lancaster, Jeanne was born on July 1, 1937, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where she lived for most of her life. She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Muffy (Marjorie) Chrysler and her son-in-law, Steve Chrysler, along with her parents and siblings, Jack Lancaster (Nancy), Lois Hoffman (Larry), and Nancy (Jim) Higgins.

To her children, she was simply Mom — really, the very best mom. She was endlessly proud of her kids and loved them fiercely. There wasn’t a day that passed without a phone call, a check-in, or a word of encouragement. Somehow, she made each of them feel like the favorite. She devoted her life to making sure that they were happy and healthy and showed them what true devotion entailed, even during the worst of times. She leaves behind her adored sons, daughters, and their spouses (whom she thought of as her own) Bobby (Jennifer) Edwards, Lucy (Bird) Hogan, Nan Edwards, and her sweet Steve Edwards, who took such amazing care of her when it was needed. 

To the rest of the world, she was Nene. Nene made you feel as if you were the most special person in the room (or on the phone.)  You always left a conversation feeling happier and more understood after a Nene chat.  She had that rare gift of being relatable, funny and relevant to any and everyone that crossed her path. 

Nene was adored by her grandchildren — Courtney (Mike), Ashley (Matt) (Steve’s daughters), Molly (Doug), and Joey (Lu and Bird’s kids), and Muffy and Steve’s girls, Katie, Kelly, Amy (Joe), and Stephanie (Eli). Her great-grandchildren — Jack, Claire, Maya, Julia, Peck, Heidi, Mila, Sophia, and Adaline — brought her endless joy and laughter.

Her love reached far beyond family. Nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors all knew Nene as the one you could count on for a quick vent, guidance on a bracket pick, or a good laugh. She had a knack for making everyone know that they were loved, just as they were.

Nene’s legacy of love and acceptance will be forever imprinted on the hearts of many, not just her children and her grandchildren. The spirit of Nene will continue to fill the hearts of all that loved her.  

Visitation will be held at St. Petronille Catholic Church, 420 Glenwood Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

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