Obituary of Elizabeth A. Laken
Age 67, a longtime Crest Hill Joliet, and Plainfield, IL area resident, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Lightways Hospice Home, Joliet, IL. Beth was born in Bloomington, IL on August 24, 1955 to the late Joan (nee Collins) and Joseph Kelly.
Survived by her husband of 30 years, Stanley J. Laken; her children, Rebecca Briick-Sasak, Robert (Paula) Briick; step-daughter, Tana (John) DeYoung; grandchildren, Annali and Owen Sasak, Jay Sanders, Leah Briick, and Zach, Nate, and Josh Cowan; siblings, Michael (Nancy) Kelly, Lynn M. Schuler, Ken E. Flatt, Richard L. Flatt, and sister-in-law Kathy Flatt. She was also blessed with many devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by her mother, Joan M. Flatt; stepfather, Dennis B. Flatt; father, Joseph Kelly; brothers, James J. Kelly, and Dennis D. Flatt.
Beth was a graduate of Lockport High School Class of 1973, Graduate of University of St. Francis (Magna Cum Laude) in Accountancy, 1984, and MBA from Benedictine University.
Beth was a member of St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield and involved in many Joliet-area groups including a board member of the Kiwanis Club of Joliet, member of the Irish American Society of County Will, and was a board member of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.
Beth worked in the business offices of Joliet Franciscan Healthcare, Assistant Vice President Finance/Comptroller at North Central College, and Vice President of Finance and Administration (CFO) at the University of St. Francis retiring in 2016.
Beth enjoyed quilting and solving puzzles. She also was an avid sports fan and especially loved cheering for the Chicago Cubs! She ran in a number of mini Triathlons and 5 k races. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister. Her many family relationships and friendships brought her great joy and pride.
The family would like a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Lightways Hospice Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Beth’s name can be made to the Kiwanis Club of Joliet or to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.
Visitation for Elizabeth "Beth" A. Laken will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with sharing of memories at 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 4, 2023 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish, Plainfield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery, Plainfield, IL.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
