Hazel W. Gillespie

Hazel Winogene Major was 1 of 8 children born to Francis Stephen Major and Hazel Hilsinger. She was born on August 11th 1926, in Lombard, IL. She was the oldest of 3 daughters and also had 5 brothers. She was proceeded in death by her brothers: Gordon, Norman Francis, and Kenneth. She is survived by her dear sisters: June (Joe) Patterman of Whitewater, WI and Gloria (Don) Penzinski, of Geneva, IL. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Willard (Julie) Major, of Glen Ellyn.

Hazel was married to Arthur Klechkner for 25 years, before he passed away. They had 2 children together. Her loving and devoted daughter: Virginia "Ginny" and Arthur, who passed away in January of 2017. She eventually married James Gillespie and they also had 25 years together before he passed away.

Hazel is survived by 7 grandchildren: Michael, Arty Jr., Sandra, Michelle, Jason, Bryan and Kevin; 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her daughter, Ginny moved in with her, several years ago, to help take care of her and be her constant companion. She couldn't have asked for a better daughter.

Hazel loved and cherished all of the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, brothers, sister, nieces and nephews.

She also enjoyed reading the Bible and attending The Church of Christ in Itasca, until her health no longer permitted her to do so. She was Baptized into Christ on October 12th, 1998.

It was there at Church, that she met Bea Roberts, and they became very dear and close friends in her remaining years. Ginny, Bear and Hazel spent many hours together doing Hazel's favorite thing, going out to lunch together and shopping at Goodwill.

Hazel also liked to be called by her 2nd name: "Sue", and she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. (and her 3 "furry" loves of her life: their dogs, Buttons, Kobi and Tinkerbelle).