Jeanette Monday

Jeanette Munday, 84, of Naperville passed away peacefully Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Edwards Hospital in Naperville after visits from each of her children and with her daughter at her side.

Jeanette was born October 11, 1935 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Aloysius and Jeanette (nee Felt) Smith.  She was united in marriage to Ralph Munday April 24, 1954 in Villa Park, IL.

Known as “Toots” to many who loved her and “Grandma Tootsie” to her thirteen adoring grandchildren, Jeanette lived a life fully dedicated to loving others. While her family was most important to her, she made real and intimate connections wherever she went--from people in the checkout line at the grocery to friends and staff at Spring Meadows (where she spent her final years), especially her nurse Myro.

Jeanette immediately found the best in people and celebrated them. She took a keen interest in everyone close to her and knew exactly what was going on in their lives, what was important to them. She supported them in their challenges and celebrated their victories as her own.

Toot’s optimism was contagious and inspiring. While she suffered many health setbacks in her final years, she kept a miraculously positive attitude throughout. Even in the hospital during a crisis, she would grab someone’s hand, look them in the eye and say, “I am so lucky. I am so lucky to have this family love me.”

She lived a life full of interest, curiosity and humor until the very end. She was a reader and puzzle solver and avid Jeopardy! watcher--and she would tease those of us who watched it on DVR with spoilers. Even during the harshest times--even on her deathbed-- she would make jokes to put a smile on her family members’ faces. They were good ones, too.

It was easy to stay engaged with her while she lived alone as she was a joy and a great friend. Long and breezy phone calls were the norm. Through the recent restrictions, friends and family continued window visits until outdoor visits were allowed. Then, we would meet her at her favorite shady spot and talk with children playing under the trees. She was never truly alone.

Jeanette is survived by her five children; Timothy (Cindy) Munday, Karen Gashi, Tracy (Terri) Munday, Patrcia Claypool, and Kevin (Andrea) Munday; thirteen grandchildren (Lindsey, Meredith, Arbnore, Kosova, Mimoza, Dardan, Ina, Lauren, Tyler, Kyle, Brianne, Aidan and Chance); twelve great-grandchildren; a brother Kenneth (Gail) Smith; and a sister Catherine Smith-Johnston.

She also developed a special loving relationship with her nurse, Myro Gabiola. Myro acted as the eyes and ears for our family during the visitors restrictions and joined Jeanette’s family during her final illness. Myro’s love and expert counsel through Jeanette’s illnesses were a godsend to her family and will never be forgotten.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Ralph and two sisters Diane Michel and Georgiana Cunningham.

Per Jeanette’s request, there will be no formal visitation or funeral, but instead a private family celebration, “Only to remember the blessed life I have had.”