June L Duncan

June Ell Duncan, 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Glenview, IL on August 24, 2011. She was born at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, IL on June 19, 1925. The daughter of Arthur and Ingrid (birthmother) Ell and Helen Ell (stepmother), she had two brothers, Michael and Stephen, both of whom proceeded her in death.

When she was a sophomore in high school, her family moved to Danville, IL. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, graduating with a Liberal Arts degree in 1944. She later attended the University of Illinois, and in 1950, she received a masters degree in social work. She married the love of her life, Ray Lewis Duncan (who preceded her in death on August 12, 2008), on August 27, 1951. Mrs. Duncan was a teacher in the Evanston school district and a school social worker in the Deerfield school district for 37 years, a profession she enjoyed immensely and from which she derived immeasurable satisfaction.

Mrs. Duncan loved the opera and was a strong supporter of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She also supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Hadley School for the Blind. In addition, Mrs. Duncan served on the board of the 1420 Sheridan Road condominium association, where she resided for many years.

Her sharp memory, sense of humor and love of recounting a good joke will be sorely missed, as will her signature eyeglasses.

Mrs. Duncan is survived by a sister-in-law, Ann Ell; five nieces: Tammy Duncan Noda, Nancy L. Duncan, Adrian Ell Hummel, Sarah K. Ell, and Stephanie Ell Hartke; a nephew, Alex Ell; two cousins, Jack C. Thompson, Jr. and Betty T. Messenger; a first cousin once removed, Kimberly T. Vander Yacht; Halina Stadnik, her long-time housekeeper and friend; and many great-nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves behind her beloved Maltese dogs, Sasha and Charlie.

A memorial service for Mrs. Duncan will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 10:30am at Michigan Shores Club, 911 Michigan Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. A light luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory and honor may be made to Guardian Hospice, 181 Waukegan Rd. Suite 301, Northfield IL 60093 or COPD Foundation, 2937 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 302, Miami, FL 33133 (http://www.copdfoundation.org/HowtoHelp/Donate/tabid/117/language/en-US/Default.aspx)