Memories of the Lamoureux Family          June 18, 2012
With the passing of Joyce Powell (May 26) it was time to think of all her brothers still with us and those who have been gone.  
Ginny (Virginia Knapp) and I were happy and proud to have known Joyce and her extended family.  Even before our marriage in 1966 the Lamoureux's  influenced our social and community life.  The marriage of Mary, Joyce's mom, to Ginny's Uncle Bud (Carl) Speckhart set the stage for us to see how the "older" crowd enjoyed friends and life so much.  Their association with "McGuire University" - a local bar - brought together a look at the Connolly's - Mary's clan which was always enjoyable.  (Mary had lost her first husband, Albert, due to heart problems.)   It was amazing and so enjoyable to see Uncle Bud take on the six kids that Mary brought with that marriage.  It was a boon to our perspective and associations with them.  
In those days there were picnics, birthdays, and holidays with so much hustle and liveliness.  Card playing  and parties seemed everywhere.  Personally, I was always envious of their family since they had five brothers and one sister, whereas I was raised with six sisters no brothers.  It was must have been wonderful, I imagined.   
Uncle Bud rounded up his "boys" and helped us move into our new home in Lombard (1977).  Brother Jack Lamoureux helped with a good purchase and delivery for wood decking there and later, more decking for the Knapp's cottage north of Elkhorn (about 1985-86).  Vaguely, I remember we had an usual flood in the basement and Michael showed up to help.  Brother Tom moved to the west coast.  Brother Jim, who worked at Sloan Valve, always had a connection with the Knapp's, since Don Knapp (Ginny's dad) was a leader/ supervisor at Sloan Valve.  Then, Jim married Donna, Ginny's sister.  That was exciting and fun to be with him.  He was typical Lamoureux; straight forward; good humor; sometimes abrasive in a good way; and all those Lamoureux opinions!  And of course Joyce and all the bro's were good looking.   Earlier, Bob Powell had returned from military service and married Joyce.  Our lives meshed again for a while, when we all started having kids; Patrick for them; Jeffrey for us; and Chuck from Donna's marriage with Charles Sechel.   Bob and Joyce and had another two sons, twins, Brian and Mathew, both married with families.       
But along the way there has been sadness to overcome; mainly due to heart health.  Uncle Bud Speckhart died on a trip to Mexico with Mary, and Catherine and Don Knapp.  After Bud died, Mary hung on to her friends and family and a good career with Oak Park police dispatcing.  Behold, her new neighbor was her former brother-in-law:  Gill Lamoureux.  That set up the scene for another wonderful marriage and what a wedding I recall!!  It was wall to wall, Lamoureux's.  Gill was quite a guy who knew some engineering and had patents on some products.  They gave us another image of how to enjoy life simply but with pizazz.  Finally then they moved to Florida.  I miss that older crowd.
More sadness came along.  Over time, after Nicole had been born to Donna, and Jim had split up with Donna, he too had succumbed to smoking and heart issues.  During Jim's wake which was in a place on Spring Road in Elmhurst, I heard (rumor) they were going to move him temporarily across the street over to the Spring Inn bar where Jim liked to hang out.  In a way, life is just a lark.
Jack had been married to Susan, a nurse, but split after having four good looking kids.  Later, after Jim, he too passed on in his apartment in Elmhurst; leaving on his own terms.  I remember him as quiet, sometimes playful, and a good friend.
In between all this, Michael has married Cindy for a wonderful 25 years plus and still in Elmhurst.  Mike has heart problems time to time but remains upbeat and an inspiration.  Tim is still with Beth and has cute kids, Claire and Tim Jr. in the west suburbs.  Tom, with some health issues, is doing well on the west coast and in the property management business.  We love them all and wish them well.  Thanks for the memories………Jack & Ginny Donohue.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Wishing you all peace at this difficult time.

Bob and Family ~
We are all very sorry for the loss in your family.  We offer our condolences and support whenever you may need it.  You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Bob and Family,
Emily and I were so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

I was shocked to hear the news, when Jenny told me.  Joyce was a wonderful person and always willing to be there to help with whatever had to be done.  She will be missed by all.  My prayers are with your family.
Kathy Blenkle (West Chicago, IL)

Powell Family,
I am very sorry for your loss, I am here if you need anything at all. "Perhaps they are not angels but openings in the heavens where the love of our lost ones pours down upon us to let us know they are happy. They are with us forever." unknown.

The loss of Joyce leaves my heart breaking. She was a cherished and loyal friend to my late wife Nancy and me for 38 years. What a true friend she was and she will be sorely missed by not only myself but others whose life she touched. I will always remember her and miss her greatly.

Your tremendous loss leaves me without words to adequately express the sorrow I am feeling.  Joyce was a wonderful and thoughtful person.  Even though we hadn't seen each other in a number of years, during the time I was in chemotherapy, she sent me cards with notes to cheer me on - never faltering in her support of me.  I only wish I could be there now to show my support of you.  Joyce will be missed by so many.  Much love to all of you.

OBITUARY

Joyce Marie Lamoureux Powell

December 28, 1946 – May 26, 2012

Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery

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