Lucille A Ivnik

Lucille Ann Ivnik (Cele Ann), 96, nee McCarthy began her life on April 24, 1928, in Joliet, Illinois, the second daughter of Francis J McCarthy and Clara E. (Haverstuhl) McCarthy. She died October 2, 2024, at 8:35 pm at Concordia Village, Springfield, IL.

Cele Ann married Richard J Ivnik June 21,1947 and they were blessed to celebrate 72 years together. Cele Ann was not only the “apple” of Rich’s, eye, he completely adored her and was dedicated to her. They met playing a neighborhood pick-up baseball game and he began pursuing her immediately from then on, one night even waiting at the top of her apartment stairwell for her return from a date with someone else. They were married within the year (1947) and started their family…Barb, Bob and Jodi.

Cele Ann was a stay-at-home Mom for the first 15 years of her marriage. In 1962 she started working for AT&T as an Administrative Assistant, where she remained until her retirement in 1992. She was a lifelong, active member of the Catholic Church, most recently attending Christ the King Parish in Springfield, Il.

After 45 years in Joliet, Cele Ann and Rich became “Snowbirds” in Florida for a couple of years, moving there permanently for 12 years until 2006, at which time they came to Springfield. In 2010 they moved into the then newly built Concordia Village. As in all of their moves, they quickly became a part of the community and made many wonderful friends.

Cele Ann was always a strong and independent woman with a big heart, and a dedication to those less fortunate. She taught her children as much by example as she did by words. She loved reading, writing poetry, music (especially singing it – often harmonizing effortlessly), dancing with Rich, time spent with family and friends, playing cards, and being active, walking, riding bikes, etc.

Cele Ann was preceded in death by her husband Richard Ivnik; her son, Robert J (Bob) Ivnik; her parents, “Mac” and “Tala” McCarthy; one sister, Clare L Postel; one brother, James R McCarthy, and granddaughter, Kathryn (Kayci) Carson.

She is survived by her two daughters Barbara Lyons (Richard) of Springfield, IL; Mary Jo(Jodi) Hendricksen (Alan August) of Sturgeon Bay, WI; daughter-in-law, Marie Ivnik, Glen Carbon, IL; grandchildren, Tim Lyons (Shelly), Lori Johnson (Steve), Rick Ivnik (Stacey), Mike Lyons (Sarah), Anne Siple (Joe), and Ben Carson (Georgi); as well as 15 great grandchildren, Meredith Lyons, Matthew Johnson, Sophia Ivnik, Maya Siple, Michael Johnson, Sabrina Ivnik, Lily Siple, Clara Lyons, Alexis Johnson, Emelia Lyons, Elijah Carson, Ellouise Carson, Raelyn Lyons, Izabelle Carson and Adelaide Carson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cele Ann is being served by Bisch Funeral Home. Her cremains will be interred at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with her husband’s. A Mass of Remembrance will be offered at Concordia Village Chapel, 4101 W Iles Ave., Springfield, on October 25, 2024, at 1 pm.

Remembrances may be made to: Concordia Village Benevolent Fund, 4101 W Iles, Springfield, Il 62711 and The Salvation Army, any location.