Obituary of Michele Corinne Gwathmey
Michele Corinne Gwathmey, age 58, of Lockport passed away Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Edward Hospital, Naperville, following a serious illness.
Born May 5, 1964 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Hewlet Alexander and Maud Elisabeth (Messchaert) Gwathmey. Raised in a military family, she lived many places including New Mexico, Washington State, and Italy of which she had very fond memories. When her father retired the family settled in Shorewood, IL. She graduated from Joliet West High School and worked as a travel agent, a manager for Bergner’s Department Store, and a staffing coordinator in the health care industry.
Michele was a happy person whose warm smile matched her loving and kind personality. She was very proud of her Native American and Dutch Indonesian heritage. She enjoyed family gatherings with Dutch Indonesian food and traditional celebrations. An avid reader, she mastered reading skills as a child by reading comic books, especially Japanese Manga. In recent years she loved long walks in forest preserves, observing and photographing wildlife and birds. Michele was a woman of faith who loved worship with her church and serving others.
Michele is survived by her sister, Monique (Donald) Matthews of Cordon, IN; her brother, Mark Gwathmey of Brooms Island, MD; her nieces and nephews, Melissa, Aaron, Sean and Colton Matthews, and Cheyenne, Shelby and Marcos Gwathmey; an aunt, Nancy Rugebregt; and several dear cousins. She is also survived by her dear friend with whom she made her home for many years, Janet (and the late Ken) Booster, and their children, Rebecca (Dan) Laib, Samuel Booster, and Joel Booster; and the Booster’s grandchildren, Nathaniel, Elsie, Ethan and Henry Laib.
Visitation for Michele Gwathmey will be held Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. Noon, until the time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m., at New Covenant Community Church, 1995 Mills Road, Joliet, IL 60433. Interment will be in Plainfield Township Cemetery.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
