It is with very heavy hearts, that my sister Ali Dixon and I announce that our mother Lela Sekowski unexpectedly passed away last month. We are deeply saddened by her loss but also thankful for every minute we shared with her.
Lela Pearl Sekowski, 68, of Kenly, NC, formerly of Wheaton, IL, passed away of complications from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3rd, 2020, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC.
Celebration of Life services will be at 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17th, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 17W201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Remembrances will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Lela was born on May 15th, 1952 in Chicago, IL, a daughter to Donald Gau and Juanita Godwin. She is survived by her daughter Alison Dixon (Johnathan Dixon) of Kenly, NC, and son David Sekowski (Allecia Sekowski) of Chicago, IL, grandchildren Elizabeth Watson, Aidan Lederer, Damien Lederer, and Lincoln Sekowski. Also surviving are her siblings Thomas Rogers (Carol Rogers), Helen Rogers, and Robert Rogers (Sue Rogers).
Lela worked in accounting support at Sun Chemical Corp in Northlake, IL for over 25 years before retiring in March, 2014. She loved her work, her boss, and her team. She always appreciated their support and friendship. She was greatly saddened when she left Sun.
She was an avid media lover; watching movies, listening to music, reading books, and playing games. She sponsored many midnight movie screenings, album launch parties, and marathon gaming sessions. Through this passion she fostered a love for creativity, imagination, and artistry in her children and grandchildren.
She had an infectious smile and laugh, a wonderful sense of humor, and a razor sharp wit that made her a great and fast friend to everyone she met. She was always the “cool mom”; easy to talk to, never judgmental, unrelentingly supportive. To her children, she was a best friend as much as she was a mother. She was selfless in every aspect of her life, sacrificing her own needs and happiness to put her family and friends first. No one could ask for a more giving and gracious person in their lives.
Lela knew that her health was declining rapidly and this gave her time to reflect on her life. She felt content and accomplished, having raised a wonderful family, and seeing her grandchildren happy and healthy. She didn’t wish anything for herself except more time to “see their bright smiles shine on her”. She will be greatly missed by everyone that had the great fortune of knowing her. Her love will shine on us, and through us, forever.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Liver Association.
Condolences may be offered online at the funeral home’s website. WWW.Chapelhillgardenswest.com
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