Janine Rose Strauel

From the time she was born on April 14, 1979, Janine showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, creative and full of laughter and warmth. Janine came into this world at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. Her parents were Randy and Nancy Strauel who raised Janine in Woodridge, Illinois.

She was raised with two siblings. She had an older sister, Beth and a younger sister, Sarah. Janine loved growing up so close in age to her two sisters and enjoyed spending time with them. Janine enjoyed many of the same hobbies and activities as both her sisters. Beth and Sarah will always remember her contagious laugh, and miss it dearly. Janine also had a very large extended family including grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and several cousins who loved and supported her.

      As a young girl, Janine interacted well with other children. She was always helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Janine had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. Janine took part in volleyball, softball and bowling. Janine loved all animals and as a child wanted to be a farmer. In her spare time she liked drawing, movies and music, pottery and animals. Janine's memorable achievements included being chosen for the junior high softball and volleyball teams.

      Janine graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 1997. She was a good student that enjoyed some classes more than others. She particularly enjoyed all art courses, especially ceramics. Janine excelled in arts and accounting classes. After high school, Janine attended College of Dupage for 2 years, with an interest in art.

      Janine was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Janine, they recognized how free spirited she was. Janine enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of her best friends were Caroline, Janet, Kaitlyn, and Leslie. Later in life, she remained friends with Janet and Caroline

      As an imaginative and inventive person, Janine was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were drawing,ceramics, music, word puzzles, collecting plants (she really had a green thumb), and spending outdoor time with her dog, Murray. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Janine was a lover of nature. She always loved spending time outdoors and being a collector.

      Janine was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Janine's favorites was Golden Retriever "Murray". They were best friends for many years. He went everywhere with her. She loved taking him on walks, and swimming in ponds. Her family was rounded out by her Shih Tzu "Spud", who was the family dog and one of many pets Janine loved and cared for throughout her life.

      Janine passed away on November 19, 2009 at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. She is survived by her parents, Nancy and Randy; her sisters, Elizabeth and Sarah; and her nephew, Evan, who adored his Aunt Janine.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:pm until 8:pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue, Lisle, Illinois (on Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Avenue / Rt. 34). Janine will be lying-in-state on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Woodridge United Methodist Church, 2700 75th Street, Woodridge, Illinois from 10:30 am until the time of funeral service at 11:00 am. Janine will then be laid to rest in Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, Illinois.

      Though she could be a private person at times, Janine was always able and willing to give of herself. Janine carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. Janine Rose Strauel shared herself freely and everyone will remember Janine for the strength of her convictions, and may she always be in the arms of an angel.