June Ellen Rodriguez

June Ellen Rodriguez was called by the Lord on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Colonial Health & Rehab Center in Virginia Beach, VA. She was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late John and Viola Gowdy in 1926. June was a loving wife of 75 years to her husband Jesse, a journey that began with an elopement in 1944. Following the war, they returned to the Chicago area, where they raised three children. She was at Jesse’s side when he passed in 2019.
June will always be remembered for her sweet disposition and gentle smile. Growing up with mom meant great dinners, fun picnics to celebrate holidays, and her attendance at every major event in the lives of her family. She was the first up every morning to be sure breakfast was ready and the last to bed at night. She cherished family vacations to Texas and Wisconsin, and in later years the annual trips to reunions on husband Jesse’s ship, USS Yorktown (CV-10). June and Jesse raised their family in a house they built in 1956, which was the only home they ever owned. She worked to provide her children with a Catholic School education and made religion an important element in their lives. The family were steadfast members of St. Isidore Church in Blue Island, IL. She made her home a destination, even after her children grew up and married. Deteriorating health forced a move to Virginia Beach in 2013 where June and Jesse resided with their son Glenn until further deterioration in health forced another move to Colonial Health & Rehab Center. The Family is ever grateful to the numerous caregivers, CNA’s, nurses and other health care professionals who tended her while in Chicago and Virginia Beach.
June is survived by children Daniel Rodriguez of Kenosha WI, Glenn and wife Jean Rodriguez of Virginia Beach, VA, Kathleen (late Robert) Green of New Lenox, IL, 14 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by husband Jesse, infant daughter Kathleen Jo, and Sisters Verna Oliphant and Betty Mack. She was especially fond of her many beloved nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd. New Lenox, IL on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 5pm – 8pm. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, with prayers at the funeral home at 10:30am to St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. She will be buried with her husband in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Il. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or a Charity of your choice in her name. www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-485-3700 for info.