Susan Lynn Vabro

Born on February 26, 1964, Susan was a graduate of Riverside Brookfield High School, Class of 1982. She built a life rooted in family, community, kindness, and quiet devotion. Susan had a way of making people feel cared for — through her words, her wisdom, her cooking, her humor, and the countless little traditions she made special.

Susan was the loving wife of Richard F. Vabro Jr. for 42 years, who always and affectionately called her his “Bride.” She was the beloved mother of Kelly, Joshua (Ashley), and Chelsea (Brink), and the proud Babi of Easton. She was the daughter of the late Harold James and Charlene Hall, and the cherished sister of Michael (Gail).

Throughout her life, Susan gave generously of herself to the people and places around her. She worked at Komarek Public School as a teacher’s aide and at the North Riverside Public Library as a page. She also served as Vice President of the Mater Christi School Board and as a Girl Scout Leader. Whether she was helping children, supporting her community, or simply showing up for the people she loved, Susan did so with patience, thoughtfulness, and a generous heart.

Susan found joy in quilting, crafting, and creating things with her hands. Her attention to detail and creativity showed in everything she made. She was an amazing cook, the neighborhood Halloween candy basket lady, and someone who turned ordinary moments into memories. Her favorite place was Camp Sokol in New Buffalo, Michigan, a place that held deep meaning for her and her family.

To those closest to her, Susan was also a live encyclopedia. She had an astonishing depth of knowledge and was teaching, explaining, remembering, and sharing what she knew right up until the end. Her family will forever treasure her wisdom, her stories, her sense of humor, and the way she always seemed to know something about everything.

Susan will be remembered for her strength, compassion, kindness, and love. She was a wife, mother, Babi, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor whose presence made life feel warmer and more steady. Her love remains in the family she built, the community she touched, and the countless memories she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West Cermak Road, Forest Park, IL 60130, on June 12, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Mater Christi Church, North Riverside, IL.

Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, 1400 S Wolf Rd, Hillside, IL. Info 708-442-8500 or visit www.woodlawnchicago.com