I have such fond memories of Juanita and Marge and our days in Religious Education in Round Lake, IL.  We all shared and learned and grew together.  My sympathy and prayers.  Marjorie Heidkamp, BVM

MASSES AND PRAYERS IN LOVING MEMORY

THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
              SISTER EILEEN   SISTER MARGE
SALVATORIAN FATHERS AND BROTHERS PERPETUAL MASSES  SANDRA VIGNALIE
FRANCISON FRIARS OF THE ATONEMENT MASSES  RAY-KELLY-SUE
MISSIONARY OBLATES OF MARY INMACULATE RAY LAMBERT
THE PASSIONISTS OF HOLY CROSS PROVINCE DR. SUE AND FAMILY  KELLY AND FAMILY
PRIEST OF THE SACRED HEART HALES CORNER WI BILL AND DONNA HARRISON
PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS DCN DENNIS AND DEBBIE LAMBERT
HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS AT ST. PAUL GURNEE PAUL AND VIRGINIA TOBIN
LEAGUE OF SAINT ANTHONY MASSES-PRAYERS FOR A YEAR  CHUCK AND ANILA ASHBUCK
BENEDICTINE MONKS ST BENEDICT'S ABBY WI  YEAR OF MASSES-PRAYERS BOB AND JOANNE YERKES
SOCICTY OF THE LITTLE FLOWER CARMELITES SUE EHRICH-ANGIE GONZALE
OUR LADY OF LOURDES MASSES FOR HEALING FOR RAY-KELLY-SUE
FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE ATONEMENT MR.+ MRS TONY SCAEDINO

My grandma is someone who can best be described by the word 'colorful'.  She was colorful in character, and with her various arts, and in my memory.  Grandma was sassy, and warm, and creative.

She had an awesome name, and a powerful presence, and I'm extremely grateful to have had such an interesting grandma (and to have such an interesting grandfather as well).  They did so many unique things, and as a partnership were an example to my parents, aunt and uncle, and my brother and I as husband and wife.

She gave me a love of reading, through my mom, and a name (Lambert) through my grandpa, both of which I cherish even more without her here, since it's in stories, and in us, that her presence remains.

For now, I'll wrap myself in the wolf quilt she made me so many years ago, open a good book, and enjoy the wave of colorful characters that remind me of her.

So Sad to hear of Juanita's passing. Now, I can see her, and my wife Nancy, who was one of her best friends while she lived in Henderson, together sewing, and making beautiful bed spreads in the great beyond.  I will always remember them both laughing and having a great time while sewing....

My mom carried many titles in her life; daughter, sister, wife, sister n law, aunt, mom, grandma, friend.  It is of course, my bias that her best roles were as mom and grandma.  God surely blessed us with His amazing creation in Juanita.
 
She was funny and feisty and fearless (except for snakes).  She never met a stranger and was always willing to try something new.  She was incredibly gifted in creativity, and loved to combine her artistic talents with great love through her quilts and gifting them to many of us.  She was also an amazing painter.  She shared her God given gifts with so many, including teaching art when we were in grade school.
 
 In the last moments before her passing, we were sitting around her bed and I thanked her for passing on her super power to me (that is her left handedness) and lamented that we hadn't passed it on to any of her grandkids, but perhaps a great grandchild someday will be blessed.
 
Alzheimer's disease took a devastating toll on my mom over the past 10 years, especially the last few.  I am so thankful for God's grace on my dad, allowing him to demonstrate loving patience and strength and kindness toward mom during these difficult trials.  He truly represented Christ's hands and feet on earth, and has been an example of God's agape love for all of us to emulate with our spouses and loved ones.
 
Many of you know that mom was a librarian for many years, both at St. Joseph's and also at the public library in our home town and again as a volunteer in Henderson, Nevada.  She had such a love of reading.  I just wanted to end this with a quote from a book I used to read to my boys, that I read to her this past week shortly before she passed away.  The name of the book is, Love you, Forever.
By Robert Munich.
I'm not going to read the whole book, so ask me if you want to read the rest.
Well, that mother got older.  She got older and older and older.  One day she called up her son and said, you'd better come and see me because I'm very old and sick.  So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song.  She sang:
              I'll love you forever,
              I'll like you for always
But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick.
The son went to his mother.  He picked her up and rocked her.  Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
And he sang this song:
             I'll love you forever,
              I'll like you for always,
             As long as I'm living,
              My mommy you'll be.
Love, Sue


Juannie


My one claim to fame in this clan is being the first interloper into Ray and Juannie's family. I was soon displaced by Josh and Caleb,  Steve, Lindsey and Steven, but I was first! 


 I  should have got a clue what I was in for  the first time I met  Juannie, she called me Greg instead of Doug. 


She did make it up to though.  When I first came back to Illinois with Sue her parents wanted to know what I liked to drink.  I have never been a big drinker, but I wanted to be polite so I said that I liked wine coolers.  I guess that wasn't specific enough, because when I got there, there refrigerator was filled with at least three different kinds, more than I would drink in a year.  


The following Christmas Juannie introduced me to the card game cribbage, and right after that the concept of dispatched with extreme prejudice!  My brother Jeff could attest that  at my house games were something you played for fun and entertainment.  Juannie taught me different, I might of been a potential son-in-law, and maybe even the forbearer of the first grandchild, but it didn't matter who you were,  if you  were playing a game with Juannie, she came to win!


As I got settled into the Lambert family, Ray and Juannie taught me some new skills, how to disagree even argue with your spouse, and get past it in healthy way.  We had only been married a few years when I found myself sitting in their living room in Gurnee.  They were arguing across the breakfast bar about something, and it was starting to escalate.  I was getting a little nervous when Ray abruptly went to the garage, brought in a broom and through it on the floor.  Juannie couldn't help but ask what's that for?  Without missing a beat Ray said: I thought you might want to go somewhere later!  It was a long silent minute, before they both started to laugh, and just like that, the fight was over.


There are so many other things I could talk about, the birthday cakes for the boys, the awesome christmases at her house, the ham bone she would sneak our dog KC at Easter, but you all have memories of your own and I know these will be coming out over the next few days, weeks  and years.


The last thing I would like to say is  Ray and Juannie have taught me what a marriage is supposed to look like.  When Sue and I met, my own family experience on marriage  was a little chaotic.   She was 19 and I was just 20 when they came out to visit her at CSU.  They were walking ahead of us when I saw Ray take Juannie's hand.  It really struck me, I never recalled seeing my own parents walk hand in hand.  Ray and Juannie  continued to walk hand in hand in front of  Sue and I over the next 30 years and show us how it is done.  Never more so than the last few months.  Ray, your bride was very very beautiful and I am going to miss her terribly.  But I will never stop Thanking you for teaching me to love mine.

We all have lenses through which we remember people.  You all had unique relationships with mom, and you have your memories, and I hope you can remember her fondly  her laughter and great sense of humor.  So many have shared their love and happy memories of her  she was truly a passionate person in all her moods.  She could laugh hysterically, and be angry about injustices.  Her granddaughter reminds me of her often  quick to laugh and smile, but just as quick to be outraged.  Mom also loved deeply  her family, her husband, her children, and especially her four grandchildren.  My only regret is that she won't be here to share in their momentous events.

Even these last few years, she made us smile and laugh.  I spoke to her daily, usually on my way home from work.  She recognized us/our voices almost to the end.  We had some wonderful FaceTime sessions with her.  She loved to see Lindsey and Steven, and we shared a lot of laughter long distance.

She did remember some names to the end  Ray and Marge.  We thanked God every day for giving our dad strength and patience to care for her.  I am not sure anyone could have provided a higher level of care.  We also are thankful for the family close by who were supportive.  Up until recently, she would visit Marge and Rich almost daily.  We appreciate the friends in their Friday night group who have traveled this road with her, as well as the friends from Carrie's Restaurant  the Breakfast Club.  She loved all of you, and really enjoyed your company.

Many years ago, long before Alzheimer's, I remember mom telling me that she did not know why people were so sad when someone passed.  She explained that as Catholics, we live our lives so that one day we will reside in heaven with Jesus.  She always thought that deaths could be a celebratory time where we rejoice for the individual who has been able to attain this goal.  

So, while we are sad for the loss of the vibrant person we once knew, we should celebrate mom's transition to everlasting life.  We cry for ourselves and our loss, but let us rejoice for her.

Thank you, Mom  we love you and will miss you,

Kelly

Dear Ray,  Chet and Laura shared your notice.  I have looked at the pictures.  I am so sorry that Juanita has died.  She was such a positive person and she received the best care.  Please accept my condolences and prayers at this difficult time.  Kelly Lytle

Mr. Lambert, Kelly, Sue, and families: I knew your mom for only a brief time during high school and after, but she made such an impression! She (and your dad) raised such lovely daughters who went on to raise such lovely families of their own. I can hear her warm laugh and see her knowing eyes as if it were yesterday. Love and hugs to all of you as you gather to celebrate her life.

Uncle Ray & Family,

Thanks for letting me know of Juanita's passing.  I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Love,

Sandy

I feel so sad. I always felt your mom was a wonderful person. I feel blessed to think of her as a dear friend. My prayers are with you and family. Your mom gave me my job at the Village of Round Lake. I worked there for 24 years. Thank you again for letting me know. I truly miss her.

Our hearts are broken since we've received your news. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers, as you have been for some time now. 

Our love and hugs to you all! 

~Scott, Danielle, Alex, Eric and Maddie

We share in your sorrow at this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. 

Syl & Maryann Wetle

WE SHARE YOUR SORROW AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY AND OUR SORROW GREAT. OUR MEMORIES WILL BRING FUTURE JOY AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU AT THIS TIME. 

GOD ALWAYS BRINGS HIS LOVING CARE AND GENTLE TOUCH TO HELP US IN OUR TIME OF NEED. 

ALL OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS. LAURA & CHET

Dear Ray, Kelly, Sue, Marge and all of the family, 
Along with yours, our hearts are also broken. 

All of our love, 
Jim & Sue Magee

Ray, Kelly, Sue and Marge,
You are close in my thoughts and prayers.  The love of your family and friends will give you comfort.  Juannie was a wonderful example of kindness, goodness, generosity, faithfulness and joy.  She shared her many gifts with all of us.  I will continue to love and miss my friend Juannie.  Love, Eileen

Jacquie Lawson  
 Ray, Kelly, Susan and all of your family members; 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of your loss. 

We will all be with you in spirit during the coming week and beyond 

With all our love 

Phil, Debbie and Calvin Lambert, Savannah Carlson

I am so sorry to hear that Juanita has passed....We were good friends in High School...I tried to send condolences to the funeral care service.....but was unable to make contact by internet.
I remember your wedding in IL....it was so beautiful!!!
I did call another friend...Dorothy Curtis Day....We both felt badly to hear.
Please know we are thinking of you and your family at this time....Love, Carol Schult Anderson.

Dear Ray and Family, 

We can't begin to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Juanita was such a wonderful lady. She was like another "Grandma" to our children as well as a dear friend. We are so grateful to have known her and pray that God blesses her soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. 

With our deepest love and sympathy, 
Basil, Maria, Peter, Mike and Kristina Danos

Juannie , Ray, my John who passed away in1997  took ballroom dancing together for 5 years and from the time her two Daughters & my two Boys were growing up the four of us got together a lot. they would drop over at our house and we would do nothing but have a drink and a lot f Love. Juannie & Ray are my Son Donald's Godparents & John & I are their Sue's Godparents. Juannie you were like a sister to me. The four of us had so much fun thru out the years, even though we lived far from each other and seeing you & Ray once a year I will never forget you. I Love you and Ray & your Family so much. You will be missed and I will think of you every day and be laughing at all the funny things we use to do together. Love, Judy Magee

Ray, Kelly ,Sue and Family,

We are thinking of you all at this sad time.  We will miss our dear friend Juanita.  

Love,  Kit and Kathy

Beautiful person.  Beautiful family.  Beautiful photo gallery sharing this life and family.  A witness of love of blessings.  My heartfelt condolences, Ray, Kelly, Sue, and the entire family.  Juannie will be missed and remembered by so many.  May God bless her and keep her.

I have many great memories of time spent with Aunt Juanie and your family. From going to the Piggly Wiggly in the red wagon as a child, to fun sleepovers and having dinners at your house. I will miss her. My condolences during this very difficult time.
Love Ray and Shireen Nyden

Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Beautiful photo album. All Our Love, The Karels Larry, Linda and Neil

Ray, Kelly, Sue & families,
We extend our sympathies and prayers. Enjoyed Juanita's beautiful photo album.

Juanita and I had Millie and Kelly in the same year and then I had Ray Jr. and Juanita had Sue. We would do many things together. Juanita always new what games to play and always made the birthday party's special. When the kids where little we would take turns going to each others house and play canasta while the baby's where sleeping.                               We shared graduations, weddings, and grandchildren together. Then Ray and Juanita retired to Nevada. Ray, Juanita and I went hiking, played bingo, and spent a lot of time together.                               I will miss you Juanita, but I will always have fond memories of you and your family. May you rest in peace with the Lord.                                    Ray you have been so wonderful in the love and care that you have shown to Juanita, may your memories help you at this time.                                    Kelly and Sue and family, you have been blessed with a wonderful and loving mother. We can't choose our family's, but I know I have been blessed to be a part of your family.  God Bless you all. Love Mary Nyden

Sue, Doug, Josh, Caleb and family...Our thoughts and prayers of peace and comfort are with you during this time. Sending our love! Christy, Ed, Abbi and Nik

The picture radiates Juannies charm, warmth and beautiful smile.  Many memories of these attributes she so lovingly shared with so many.  Many years of memories, fun times, serious times, "twinkle toe" classes, sharing and caring.  May you rest in peace friend and Ray may you heart be filled with the growth of your life when you and Juannie became one and know her spirit lives on forever.  Peace to you and your family.

Beautiful picture with familiar smile that is Juannies memorable attribute along with her loving disposition.  Filled with so many memories, so many years, sharing, fun times, "twinkle toe" classes .  Rest in peace my friend and Ray be filled with her love and the graces that brought you together.  Peace my friend to you and your family.  God Bless.

Our love and prayers are with the family and with Juanie at this time.

As I opened this page and saw Aunt Juanies smile, I smiled back. Such joy in her face.  I remember that smile with such heart felt blessings. So many warm memories of childhood at your home. Silly songs and so much fun.  Little Bunny Foo Foo will always remind me of her, I can still see her doing that song today with that smile and laugh on her face.  What a great picture of her joy.  
Thank you Aunt Juanie for sweet memories, you were such a beautiful lady, smart, artistic, funny, joyful, sweet... and I am so thankful for all the memories.   I love you.
Uncle Ray,  I am so proud of you, you have been a true picture of an amazing, loving husband.  I can't even know how hard it has been, but you have so honored her and the Lord in the love and care you have shown her.  I am praying for you, Kelly and Sue and their families.  I wish I could be there and give you great big hugs and just love you.  I am praying for you all as you rejoice in a life that has given so much to so many.  May our Lord of all comfort give you strength, peace and even joy in these moments.
Much Love,
Millie

OBITUARY

Juanita May Lambert

June 24, 1941 – January 22, 2016

Surprise Funeral Care

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services