John B. Casey, Jr

John B. Casey, Jr; beloved husband of the late Brigitte Casey; loving father of Joe (Lisa) and Tom; cherished Opa of Cory (Jordan), Aaron (Rachel), Amanda (John) and Sarah; devoted great Opa of Aidan, Shealyn, Jaymon, Jeter, Reese, Raelee, Myam, Kai and Brooklyn; dear brother of Dan (Suzette) and Kathy (Gregory); fond uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Services Private. Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.gffh.com

Debra MacDuff

Debra “Debbie” MacDuff; 63; loving sister of David (Cathy); cherished aunt of Zach and Cody; dear daughter of the late John & Esther; fond friend to many. Avid Cubs fan; Visitation Friday, August 11, 2023, 2 to 7 PM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W Irving Park Rd (1/2 Block East of Austin). In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Debbie’s name to St. Mary of Providence, smopchicago.org/donations. Private interment at Mt. Emblem Cemetery. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

Maria Wright

Maria Isabel Figueroa Wright, 70; passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on August 4, 2023. She was a loving mother to her four children Maria Isabel (Scott) Schechter, Juan Figueroa, Osvaldo Figueroa, and Bryan Wright. Maria was predeceased by her siblings Manuel Figueroa and Geralda Figueroa, and is survived by her siblings, Lydia Labrador, Lucy Figueroa, Rosalina Figueroa, Millin Figueroa, Wilson Figueroa, Santa Elena Perez, Adelaida Ramirez, Ernesto Figueroa, and Jesus Figueroa, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 9, from 4-8pm at Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Road. The family will have a private cremation.

Mary Moore

Mary Moore nee Connaughton, 94, peacefully passed away July 26, 2023, in Frisco, TX. Formerly of Co. Roscommon, Ireland, Boston, MA. and Chicago, IL. Beloved wife of the late Michael (Mike) Moore. Devoted mother of Pat (Larry) Dondalski of Frisco, TX., Eileen-Moore Oleksy (Tom) of New Port Richey, FL., Maureen (Patrick) Cross, the late Mary Agnes Dziedzic, Francis (Frank) Moore, Lorraine Moore. Loving sister to the late Deliah (Francy) Keogh and James Keogh of Boston, MA. Cherished Grandmother of twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews of the U.S. and Ireland.

Mary loved all things Boston. She was a fierce Bruins and Red Sox fan. Neighbors always knew when the Bruins and Black Hawks were on TV. She only watched baseball when the Red Sox were playing. Mary would not hear a negative word against Bobby Kennedy. She enjoyed going out to lunch and shopping with her sister-in-law Christine Moore. She loved to verbally spar and wasn’t happy unless she got the last word. Mary was strong in Catholic faith and had an unyielding sense of right and wrong. You always knew where you stood with Mary. After retiring from her 30 year career at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago, Mary was asked to provide at-home health care for a number of seniors. She gladly cared for her “old ladies” until her children finally convinced her to retire. Mary relocated to Frisco, TX. with her daughter Pat and son-in-law Larry. For the past 10 years, Pat has been her mother’s companion and caregiver.

Visitation Saturday at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave. Niles, from 10 AM until time of mass 11 AM. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Heartofthenation.org. Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or live streaming of the funeral mass www.GFFH.com

Live Stream Link

Diane M. Sullivan

Diane M. Sullivan nee Carrigan, 84; passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023; beloved wife of the late Thomas; loving mother of Daniel, Timothy (Shirley), Patrick (Sarah), the late Thomas, and Catherine (Ted) Ptak; proud grandmother of 10; Diane was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Carrigan and her twin brother, Daniel (Beth) Carrigan. She was a fond sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Mass Friday, August 4, at St. Pascal Church, (Irving Park Rd & Melvina) at 11 AM. An interment will happen later at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

Yvette Shields

Yvette Christine Shields, a well-respected reporter, beloved friend and wonderful mother, died suddenly this week. She was 57.

Born on March 30, 1966, Yvette was a life-long resident of Chicago and the suburbs. A graduate in journalism from Columbia College, Yvette became a reporter at the storied City News Bureau, where she made lifelong friends and learned how to ask tough questions of those in government.

She was also a freelancer for the Chicago Tribune, and worked as an assistant on a Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods for Harvard University’s School of Public Health. But she was best known as a long-time reporter for The Bond Buyer, a paper covering the municipal finance industry. At The Bond Buyer, she spent 26 years analyzing public finance, and got to know what made big public projects work, or fail. She knew, before the bigger papers did, what a bad deal Chicago had made with the Bears stadium expansion. She knew how to get a finance director or analyst on the phone late at night, and they would take her calls. She was a great reporter – persistent, curious, intelligent and fair. Her personal warmth and charm, integrity, and deep knowledge of municipal finance earned universal respect.

Yvette was a fan of nature, literature and music. She loved visiting the north woods of Wisconsin and Illinois state parks. She loved swimming in Lake Michigan, no matter how cold it was, and in Wisconsin’s Summit Lake. She loved Galena, fish and chips, Bell’s Amber and so many bands. This year alone, she saw Margo Price, Marty Stuart, the Jayhawks, Lucinda Williams, Eleventh Dream Day and more.

Yvette was kind, fun, generous, sarcastic, witty and loving. She had a big smile, and a tremendous laugh. Her house was packed with books, family photos, CDs, pets, and her many hats. She loved life, and left it too soon. She will be profoundly missed.

Yvette is survived by her children Wesley Alwin and Nora Shields, mother Inez Keller, brother Richard John Shields, stepsisters Kelly Fleming and Denise O’Connor, nieces Zash Fleming and Crystal O’Connor, nephew Walter O’Connor, cousin Richard Owens and aunt Christine Owens, and by Scott Alwin, her close friend and Wesley’s father. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to pay for Wesley’s education.

Visitation Tuesday 4-8 PM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

Robert Charles VanVlierbergen

Robert, often called Bob by family, friends and neighbors was the son of the late Frank and Gertrude (nee Franz) VanVlierbergen.

Born and raised on near west side of Chicago at 13th St and Wood a few blocks from Roosevelt and Ashland, he attended Immanuel Lutheran Church School.

Later, he attended Kelvin Park High School when his family moved to that northwest side neighborhood. Continued education at Chicago Teachers College.

Drafted 02/04/1953, age 21, to serve stateside post Korea on the west coast, CA & WA until his release 01/11/1955. Returned to complete teaching studies, graduate and begin 33 year teaching career with Chicago Public Schools. Taught English, reading and history often working with EMH students. Began teaching for 25 years at Julius H. Hess Upper Grade Center near Central Park and Douglas in North Lawndale where he was able to witness a slice of civil rights history during the 1960s. Taught at Hess until its closing, finishing his career at Greeley Elementary near the Wrigley Field area.

A life-long bachelor, he supported and cared for his widowed mother (widowed 1950) once he began teaching until her passing in 1971. He also helped care for several elderly neighbors in the Kelvin Park neighborhood even after moving to the Waterford Condo in the Lakeview area in 1972.

Beloved brother of the late Marie “Honey” (Fred “Sonny”) Schueler, Frank (Adeline) VanVlierbergen, and Gertrude “Bee” (Kerwin “Mac”) McClelland

Loving Uncle Bob of Frank (Joan) Schueler, Frank (Barbara) VanVlierbergen, Trudy (Michael) Kamper, Lynn (Roy) Palmer, and Tom (Debbie) McClelland

First time great uncle of late great nephew Frank. Fondly remembered as great uncle by Michael, Jennifer, Michelle, Melissa, Jim, Julie, and Andrew.

In addition to his many family relationships, he had good friendships with his fellow teachers and their families who often called him Van. He was liked and respected by hundreds of students who called him Mr. Van. He later moved to the Glenlake Condos in the Dunning neighborhood where he had more good friends and neighbors.

Two long term friendships to note are: the late Alonzo “Al” Hayes who was a fellow teacher at Hess and friend for nearly 50 years. Al was a good friend of the family as well and was welcome at family gatherings.

The other friend is Juanita Barlow, the widow of Bob’s friend and fellow teacher George. Bob was best man to George. Jeff, Juanita and George’s son, is Bob’s Godson. Juanita was also a friend for over 50 years and was a companion, helper and caregiver especially during the last 6 years. Juanita and Jeff will miss Bob dearly.

Robert, Bob, had so many good family, friend and neighbor relationships as well as his teacher, student connections. In his last months he would comment on how he had a good life during his 92 years. He enjoyed his family and friends. This made him accepting of his COPD related health issues.

Visitation 10 – 11 AM, Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd/ (1/2 Block East of Austin). Interment to follow, at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made of ALA, American Lung Association, lung.org.

Victoria Collins

We mourn the loss of Vickie Collins, a beloved sister, mother, and cherished member of the community. Vickie passed away on June 29, 2023. Her departure leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Vickie was born on September 15,1970 in Chicago to Carol (née Albino) and Jay Collins. She was a loving sister and an example of perseverance and kindness to her surviving brother and sisters.

Vickie’s greatest joy in life was her two children, Johnny (Amanda) and Casey and her grandchildren, Serenity & John III.
Johnny and Casey will forever cherish the memories of her caring heart.
Vickie was an active member of Tim’s house ministry church, where she shared her life and kind heart with all who knew her. Her compassionate nature touched the hearts of many, leaving a lasting impression.

A memorial viewing service will be held on July 14th at Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL . From 4-8 pm. Friends, family, and all those whose lives were touched by Vickie are invited to attend and pay their respects. Visitors please wear bright colors as Vickie would want us to be colorful instead of in black. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Tim’s House (Mt. Olive Church) 3850 N Tripp, Chicago, IL 60641 at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Tim’s House Ministry an organization that was close to Vickie’s heart.

During this difficult time, may we find solace in the memories we shared with Vickie and the positive impact she made on our lives. She will forever remain in our hearts, a shining light that will never fade.

Gemma Officer

Gemma Officer, age 84; daughter of late James and Grace McCallan; beloved wife of the late James Officer; loving mother to Grace (Rob) Palz, Deirdre (Tony) Tinerella, Denise, Gemma, James (Stephanie), Ciaran (Lora), Kevin (Desiree), Sean, and Ryan (Juanita) Officer; cherished grandmother to twenty-one grandchildren and great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren; dear aunt to nieces & nephews in Ireland and friend to many. Visitation Wednesday, July 12^th from 9 AM until time of prayer 11:00 AM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago (1/2 Block East of Austin). to St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Mass 11:30 AM. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery. For info 773-777-3944 or www.gffh.com

Noreen Hannemann

Noreen S. Hannemann, nee Keegan, beloved wife of Joseph Roland Hannemann, dear sister of Thomas Keegan (the late Carol), and cherished aunt of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her children, Pamela Lee and J. Brian, and her parents Al and Elsie Keegan.

Noreen was born in Chicago and graduated from Steinmetz High School, where she met her dear husband “Joe”. They were married, started a family, and eventually moved to Charlottesville, VA, where they lived for over 50 years. During that time, she gave decades of service to the Lions Club, Immanuel Lutheran Church and many other organizations. She especially enjoyed working on the Miss Albemarle Pageants each year and with the LionsEye Program.

She was a very special person to many and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service will be held at a date to be determined.