"Shelley, DoDo, Mich"

Michele L. Waszak, 54, of Lemont, IL, after courageously battling Multiple Systems Atrophy, succumbed to the disease this past Saturday morning, February 4, 2023.  She died in peace surrounded by loved ones and friends.

Michele was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, George and Loraine (nee Carlson) Norbeck, paternal grandparents Joseph and Marie (nee Dubinsky) Waszak.

She is survived by her loving parents, Thomas and Gail (nee Norbeck) Waszak, her brother Joe Waszak, and her devoted, loving long time companion, Jim Miller of Lemont; Also, survived by countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family.

Michele loved new adventures wherever they could be found. Whether it was through travel, trying out new cooking recipes, new restaurants and cuisine, new wines, she was simply game for anything, especially if it involved family and friends.

Michele was also a proud graduate of St. Francis Academy (1986) in Joliet, and of Lewis University (1990) in Romeoville, IL, both of where she forged so many of her life long friendships.

One of her most cherished activities was being around any type of water.  This could involve most anything, but laying on the beach, floating on a raft in the pool, tubing down a river, water skiing, gliding in a boat down a river or on a lake … regardless of what it was, Michele absolutely loved being near water.

But most of all, Michele loved being around family and friends. Chatting on the phone, preparing a meal together, sharing said meal, conversing over a glass of wine or cocktail, Michele reveled in the company of her family and friends. For if you ever had the pleasure of meeting Michele, you'd immediately know how much she lit up the room with her smile, her joy of life, and her love of people. For Michele never met a person she didn't want to get to know or to befriend.  For Michele had learned early on the secret of a rich life … it's the friends and personal relationships, the number of people's lives and hearts you touch that truly measure the impact of one's life. And in that department, Michele was the richest of us all.

So safe travels on your journey our sweet angel. The world is a little less bright without your presence. We just hope you know how much you are loved and will be missed in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to The Parkinson Voice Project ( https://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/donate ). Thank you and God Bless.

Words of remembrance will be shared on Thursday, February 9, 2023, in the O'Neil Funeral Home 1105 E. 9 ^th St. Lockport, IL 60441 at 9:15am to St. Joseph Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Following Mass Cremation Rites will be respectfully addressed. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in the Funeral Home Chapel from 3:00pm until 8:00pm

Family friends can sign the online guestbook at www.oneilfuneralhome.com