Elvira Serrano, age 92, of Lake Station, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away at home on Thursday, August 24, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 18, 1925 at home on the south side of Chicago. She moved back to her family's home town of Tarimoro, GTO, Mexico as a young girl, but moved back to Chicago as a young woman in the early 40's. She started working in the booming industrial complex of Chicago's factories. She was part of the greatest generation that survived the Great Depression and helped America win World War II.
Elvira was a loving mother to Fernando (Leticia) Serrano, Rosalie Serrano, Maria Elena Vasquez, Elvira (Terry) Caldwell, Antonio Serrano, Aurora (Mark) Bejma, Josie (Garrett) Beauregard; grandmother to Valerie, Stephanie, Lauren, Christina, Diana, Linda, Emily, Gabrielle, Sarah; great grandmother to Jaden, Aidan, Isabela, Camilla; great lifelong friend to Lupe Escobarete, Antonia Garza, Librada Vasquez; and a loving aunt to many, but most especially to her devoted nieces, Evelia, Mina, Lucy, Susana and devoted nephew, Carlos.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Esteban and Luz Anaya; son, Simon Hector Serrano; son in law, David Vasquez; and loving siblings, Remedios (Armando) Yanez, Modesto (Kata) Rosillo, Tolita Anaya, Domitila (Alfonso) Ayala, Jesus (Carmen) Rosillo, Esteben Anaya.
Her family will remember her as an extraordinary cook who welcomed everyone at her table. Elvira never met a stranger. She had a wicked sense of humor and loved sitting with friends and family laughing and telling stories. She enjoyed Cantiflas movies and the Turner Classic Movie Channel. She loved the music of Elvis and Lawrence Welk and Mariachi music. Elvira made the world a better place with her strong work ethic, commitment as a mother and matriarch to her family. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Cecelia, St. Procopius, St. George, and then Nativity of our Lord. She was an active member of the Lake Station Senior Center at Columbus Park for many years, where she had many friends, especially Patsy Scheuer.
Elvira's family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to VNA Hospice, St. Mary Home Health, and the staff at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart for their comfort care.
Funeral services for Elvira are Tuesday, August 29, 2017 beginning with 9:30 am prayers at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage and proceeding to St. Francis Xavier Church, 2447 Putnam St., Lake Station for a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage. Friends may gather with the family on Monday, August 28, 2017 from 2-8 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. For more information, please call 219-762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.