Nena M. Peduzzi

July 10, 1981 - May 8, 2026

Nena Michelle Peduzzi died on May 8, 2026, her story ending far too soon, at the age of 44. Born on July 10, 1981, in Downers Grove, Illinois, to Philip Anthony Peduzzi and Ann V. Ramirez Peduzzi, Nena brought warmth, humor, adventure, loyalty, and unmistakable energy into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. A 1999 graduate of West Chicago High School, Nena received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb before building a successful and respected career in Human Resources. For the last 8 years, she served as a Corporate Compensation Manager at Ace Hardware. At work, she demonstrated expertise in her field, patience for those who weren’t experts, and kindness to all. She was trusted and respected by HR and leaders at all levels in the organization. Even with challenging situations or projects with tight timelines she could always be relied upon to come through. Her loss is being felt throughout the organization and especially to those who worked closest with her. Nena was an amazing older sister, always the sibling caretaker and wise elder to her siblings, Stella and Vince. Nena was a caring and attentive daughter to her parents, the only child who lived locally to them, always visiting with them, making sure they saw their grandkids, making sure they were cared for. She spent her last full day on this earth  accompanying her mother through surgery and taking her father, also dealing with an illness, to dinner. She did this all while keeping the rest of her family up to date on her parents well-being. Nena’s greatest role was being a mother to her beloved boys: Johnny (15) and Owen (13) Bajor. They were, and always will be, the center of her whole world. She was fiercely devoted, endlessly proud, and determined to give them the very best of herself. Whether it was sports, appointments, getting them to and from friends, family, or their dad’s, she was there for it. There was no part of her that didn’t fiercely love and ache for their livelihood. Her love as a mother was constant, unconditional, and unmistakable to everyone who witnessed it. Her last trip with her boys and family was to Florida for her grandmother’s memorial, just 14 days before she died. There, her sons and nephew begged her to go on a half day, deep sea fishing trip, where she lovingly watched with violent sea sickness as all the other girls and women in the family went shopping. Nena was a proud “boy-mom”, and while her and her sister often joked about the differences in “boy-mom” parenting, she loved this role more than anything and she wore it with so much pride. Her role when it came to family was so natural and unmatched, but it was the same for her countless friends, because that is who Nena was. Nena had a rare gift for making people feel included, valued, and completely at ease. Whether you had known her for years or had just met her, she welcomed people with genuine warmth and attention. She remembered the little things, checked in when it mattered, and made friendships feel effortless and meaningful. Nena’s vibrant personality could positively alter the vibe of a situation without her even trying. Her spontaneity, her distinctive and unforgettable laugh, and her animated tutorials on how to properly pronounce “Nena” (NAY-nah)—complete with slow and emphasized syllables, hand gestures, and even a scrunched nose for the most dramatic effect—became one of the many quirks those closest to her will treasure always. To her friends, she was more than a friend—she was family, a partner in adventure, a confidante, a safe place, and often the person who made life feel lighter simply by being present. She loved deeply, gave generously, and created connections that left a lasting mark on countless lives. To family, she was the best of a friend, combined with the undying loyalty of a blood bond. She is survived by her two sons, Johnny and Owen Bajor; her parents, Philip and Ann Peduzzi; her brother, Vincenzo Peduzzi; her sister, Stella Peduzzi, and Stella’s children, Leo and Scarlet Terry; her uncle, Edward Ramirez (Rosalia); and aunt Susan Ramirez (Arturo). She is survived by many close cousins, all fondly referred to as “Cuz”. She was preceded in death by her sister, Hannah; her maternal grandmother, Helen E. Ramirez; her paternal grandmother, Palma Peduzzi; and her grandfathers, Eduardo Ramirez and Evo Peduzzi. Though our hearts are shattered by her untimely and tragic death, we are profoundly grateful to have shared in Nena’s beautiful and spirited life. Her love, laughter, loyalty, and light will continue to live on in the people she loved so fiercely and the many lives she touched so deeply. Most importantly, her spirit will live on through her two sons. “The brightest stars burn the fastest, so we must love them while we can…” To help support Nena’s family through these difficult times, donations can be made on their Gofundme page.Guest BookShareEmailPrint