Celebration of Life Planned for Beloved Oak Forest Volunteer Janet LaVelle

Janet M. LaVelle, 77, Oak Forest, passed away Friday September 12, at the South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest.

Janet was born in South Bend, Indiana, on January 16, 1937. She loved giving to people and groups like the Veterans and PADS. She would collect for them and once she had a van full would then deliver it. Every year she would collect school supplies for children in Africa. Janet also belonged to an Antique Radio club and Coin club. She loved going to the meetings and getting together with everyone. She would also attend Oak Forest Council meeting. She truly cared about the city of Oak Forest and just wanted the best for the people. She was known as the towel lady; giving her crocheted towels out to everyone she came across. In the Radio club she was known at the Cookie Lady.

She is survived by her husband Jack LaVelle, Daughter Mary (Ron) Nelson, Son Mike (Jean) Meersman, Son Jerry (Lisa) Meersman, Daughter Sherry Meersman and Son Jim (Brandi) Meersman. Grand children: Mathew (Danielle) Meersman, Dan(Carrie) Meersman, Sarah (Jason) Hickle, Jason(Lara) Meersman, Ashley Nelson, Chris Nelson, Shelby Meersman, Nathan Meersman, Marina Meersman, AJ Primleach and Nathan Primleach. Great Grandchildren: Jonathan, Patrick, Eliza, Lillian, Ethan, Cadian, Malin, Madeline and Luella.

She was preceded in death by two of her children, Patrick Meersman and Jane Ann Meersman.

Janet did not want a visitation, so the family will be having a celebration of life party on September 27, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oak Forest Senior Center, 155th and Kilpatrick, Oak Forest IL. Please stop by.