Laurette Minalga

Laurette Minalga, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at Presence Fox Knoll in Aurora, Illinois. She was born May 19, 1923 in Chicago to the late John and Mary Lennon. She was united in marriage to Frank Minalga on August 6, 1949 and made their home and started their family in St. Charles until 1958 when they moved to Geneva. By 1965 they had ten children and moved to Aurora. As a member of St. Nicholas Parish she taught CCD and assisted with Parish activities before moving and becoming a member of St. Joseph Parish. There she continued to devote her time to teach CCD, lecture, and participate in small groups and other Church activities. She also volunteered her time at the Sacred Heart Monastery. Laurette worked for a time with the Illinois Extension Services. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and reading. She always had time for her children, grandchildren and their children, and since they were all healthy and happy, to her, this was a special gift from God. She was fortunate enough to travel, visiting the Pilgrim sites in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland and France. Seeing Pope John II celebrating mass in the Vatican was one of her most favorite memories. Laurette is survived by her children: Anne (Bob) Weber of Aurora, Mike (Monica) Minalga of Lafayette, IN, Mary (Bill) Henriksen of Eau Claire, WI, Therese (Jeff) Kroening of Aurora, Mark (Patty) Minalga of Ft. Myers, FL, Frank Minalga of Ohio, Pete (Natella) Minalga of Key West, FL, Bill (Arlene) Minalga of Owensboro, KY and Aimee (Tom) Ciesla of Sigmaringen, Germany; twenty seven grandchildren; forty one great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; her sister, Mary Young; her brother, John Lennon; and many nieces and nephews and very valued friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Frank, in 2007; her son , James, in 1983; her sisters, Kay DeBelle and Anne Lennon; two brothers in infancy; and many other dear departed relatives. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Jerome L. Leake at St. Joseph Church in Aurora on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Mrs. Minalga’s body was donated for the advancement of Medical Education and Research. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Fr. Leake, Mary Frieders, and the staff at Fox Knoll for their loving comfort and care and the help given the last two weeks by Season’s Hospice. Funeral arrangements are being handled by THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Laurette’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Parish, 722 High St., Aurora, IL 60505. (630) 844-3780.

Laurette Minalga

May 19, 1923 - August 13, 2016