Susan Phyllis Vaughan
January 29, 1941 — April 22, 2024
Itasca
Susan Phyllis Vaughan (nee Menno), beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. Susan leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter and generosity that will forever be cherished by all who knew her. Born on January 29th, 1941 in Chicago, Susie was the daughter of Anthony and Jennie Menno. Sue was fiercely loyal to her family and her greatest joy in life was being a mother to her boys. As a mother, Sue was unparalleled. She approached her role with grace, patience, and an endless reservoir of love. Her unwavering support and encouragement served as a guiding light for her children, instilling in them values of integrity, resilience, and empathy. She embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood with a gentle strength that inspired all who knew her.Sue had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel valued and loved. She will be remembered for her endless compassion and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Sue enjoyed a long career as the Office Manager for Alfred Engineering, followed by a successful Real Estate career. She was a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her boys. One of her favorite pastimes was Friday lunches at Moy Lee with her son Anthony and many friends. For Easter, Sue was known for her famous Calzone. Everyone patiently waited for their slice of goodness, made with love by Sue. It didn’t matter to her that she spent days in the kitchen. You couldn’t try and help her clean up because “she had a system.” To know Sue, you knew you were going to have a fabulous meal and a lot of laughs. Among Sue’s many accomplishments was as the President of her Italian club, The St. Mary of Sambuca Society, where she organized many events and trips. From dinner dances, picnics and St. Joseph’s tables to trips to Branson, Sue was passionate about all of those around her having fun. She was the life of the party, always on the dance floor or seeing to it that all who came were enjoying themselves. During retirement, she spent her days with her furry grand babies. Paisan had endless car rides to McDonald’s, where Sue would order him up an ice cream cone, pull over and sit in the backseat with him allowing him to enjoy his treat. She loved sitting outside with her other furry grand babies, Delyla and Coconut. She was affectionately dubbed “the garage lady.” The driveway was always full of friends, family, laughter and furry companions. Sue had the best way of bringing everyone together. Susan was preceded in death by her son, Philip Vaughan, her sisters, Phyllis and Connie, her parents, Anthony and Jennie Menno and her furry grand babies, Paisan, Delyla and Coco. She will be deeply missed by her adoring son, Anthony (Christina) Vaughan, her granddaughter Kyla Gauthier-Vaughan, family and countless friends. Funeral arrangements entrusted to The Oaks Funeral Home 630-250-8588 or www.oaksfh.com