Suzanne Janacek

We lost our beloved Suzanne Janacek, (nee: Godfrey) early  Friday, April 14th, as she slipped off to Heaven, surrounded by her adoring family. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Ken, and their 5 children: Kimberly (Paul) Anderson of Aurora; Amy (Jason) McLoughlin of St. Charles; Lisa Wallner of Wheaton; Greg (Tina) Janacek of Blaine, MN; and Leslie (Nick) Jones of West Chicago; and sisters Linda (Gary) Welch of Peoria, and Stephanie Brophy of East Peoria.

Suzanne was the centerpiece of a large and loving family – a family with 16 grandchildren: Cassie (Kory) Blair; Alexe and Samantha Anderson; Nathan, Kelly, Lizzie, and Matthew McLoughlin; Grace, Allie, and Grant Wallner; Adyson, Camdyn, and Keegan Janacek; Noah Szajkovics; and Josslyn and Jaxson Jones.

She was born in Canton, Ohio, May 3rd, 1946 to parents Donn and Victoria (nee: VonSeeger) Godfrey. They preceded her in death, as did sisters Barbara Curtis, and Kimberly Godfrey.

The family moved to Peoria, Il in the early 1950’s where she attended Heinz School, Richwoods High School, and Midstates College. She worked as a legal secretary, eye doctor’s assistant, and local cover model. But her real calling was as a wife and mother. After she and Ken married in 1969, they ultimately settled in Glen Ellyn, where she raised and nurtured their 5 children; kept their home for 43 years; provided childcare for numerous friends and neighbors, all while becoming the heart and soul of the ever-expanding family. 

She was noted for her intra-family Parchese competitions, where she kept a running tally on the inside box cover – some results going back years. She could turn a near-dead plant into a thriving bush. Her malapropisms are the stuff of legend. She somehow found hilarity in unpleasant, challenging problems. Above all, she had an endearing smile and was generous to a fault. Everyone who met “Suzie” loved her - many becoming life-long friends.

There will be a Memorial gathering Wednesday, April 19th at the Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave, West Chicago, IL from NOON until 3:30 PM, immediately followed by a memorial service. She is being cremated, so there will be no graveside prayers. Around 5:00 PM there will be a reception at the home of Leslie and Nick Jones, 28W750 Hawthorne Ln, West Chicago. A light supper will be served.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Anderson Humane https://ahconnects.org/wildlife/