Margaret M. Morel

Born in 1948 to Thomas and Elizabeth Bresnahan, Meg was the second of six spirited daughters. She grew up in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood, attending Seven Holy Founders School and later graduating from St. Willibrord High School in Roseland. She went on to earn a degree in Primary Education from the University of Illinois – Chicago and an advanced art certificate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Meg dedicated many years to teaching at St. Jerome’s Catholic School, shaping young minds with patience, creativity, and kindness. In 1977, she married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Morel. Together, they recently celebrated 48 years of marriage – a partnership marked by deep devotion, shared adventures, and a mutual love of music, travel, and restoring historic homes in Chicago, Hinsdale, and Western Springs.

A gifted and accomplished artist, Meg brought joy and wonder into countless homes. Her whimsical murals graced numerous nursery walls of her friends and family. She later built a successful business creating prints, ornaments, and greeting cards that captured the charm of Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Downers Grove. Her work was featured in local publications, but her greatest delight was hearing from customers around the world who proudly displayed her art in their homes.

Above all, Meg cherished her family. She is survived by her husband Jerry; her children Emilie Schouten (Steve) and Thomas Morel (Stephanie); and her beloved grandchildren Colleen, Caitlin, Ryan, Sam, and Juliette, who affectionately called her “Mimi.” She was a devoted sister to Maureen (Jack) Margis, Betsy Bresnahan, Cathy (Len) Raminski, Terese (Mike) Retondo, and Noreen (David) Raminski, and a cherished aunt to countless nieces and nephews.

Meg will be remembered for her warmth, quick wit, creative spirit, and boundless love. Her legacy lives on in the beauty she created, the lives she touched, and the family she adored.

Visitation for Margaret will be from 3-8 PM on Thursday, August 21, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Funeral to begin at 9 AM on Friday, August 22, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home proceeding to St. Francis Xavier Church, 124 N Spring Ave, LaGrange, IL 60525 for a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago.