Celeste E. Laszlo

Celeste E. Laszlo (nee Gasmann)

Born: September 12, 1935 in Chicago, IL

Died: October 2, 2022 in New Lenox, IL

Celeste E. Laszlo passed away not to death, but to eternal life; at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL with family by her side at age 87. Celeste was born in Chicago to the late Calmer Gasmann and Claribel (nee Bebber). Beloved wife of 64 years of the late Arthur Laszlo (03-19-21); loving mother of 10 children: Craig (Dawn) Laszlo, Wade (Kelly) Laszlo, Sharon (late Rick) Tracy, Linda (Dave) Pesavento, Wendy (Mark) Pogwizd, Brett (Stacey) Laszlo, Tracey (Jarrod) Fitzpatrick, Arthur Jr. (Chris) Laszlo, Michelle (Jason) Hedden, and Grace (Phil) Ludvik; cherished grandmother of 26 and proud great-grandmother of 28; dear sister of the late Roger (Phyllis) Gasmann, and wonderful aunt of 5 nieces and nephews.

As a young lady living in Chicago, Celeste worked as switch board operator and then as a secretary. She was also a member of the Women’s Golf Club. At the age of 21 she met Art Laszlo when he happened to walk into the wrong office - it was love at first sight and they were married 3 months later. They lived in Chicago through the birth of their 7th child, Tracey, when they decided living in a two bedroom home while they slept on a sleeper sofa was a bit much. In 1970 they moved into the home they built in New Lenox. When Art started Laszlo Electric she became his secretary and would continue for two decades until his retirement.

In 1974 she entered into a personal relationship with Jesus. She met the Lord at First Assembly of God Church of Joliet where she was also baptized. She loved going to Church and spending time with God, daily reading the Bible and praying. Before meeting Jesus, Celeste was a patient joyful person. After inviting Him into her life she found the strength and grace she needed in life. She found her Lord could be trusted through every trial of life. In later years she would become a member of Lemont Calvary Church.

Celeste had the heart of a servant and was joyfully devoted to her husband and family. She loved children and was overjoyed whenever another was born into the family. Her bedtime routine of praying for every member of her family by name will be missed!

African violets were Celeste’s favorite flower and York Peppermint Patties her favorite candy. She enjoyed birds, cross-stich, word searches, reading Christian fiction and non-fiction books; watching old Westerns on TV and cheering for the Chicago Bears. Celeste will be remembered for her wonderful homemade cooking and baking, but most of all for her love and devotion to her Lord, husband and family, her smile, positive attitude, joy, and continual humming that bubbled up from the Holy Spirit in her heart.

Her final wishes were that her sons Pastor Brett and Art Jr. preach her funeral.

If sending flowers, due to family allergies, please do not send Roses. Celeste asked that donations to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children would be welcome. A private family service will be held followed by interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.