Obituary of Lauren M. Pell
Lauren M. Pell, age 61, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.
Lauren was born on December 16, 1964, in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She graduated from Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park and went on to attend the University of Arizona, where she studied for her B.F.A. in Theater Arts. In her younger years, Lauren played the piano, sang in the choir, and was active in theater. Lauren was a member of her high school swim team, where she excelled in diving. She was also a gymnast.
Those who knew Lauren will remember her deep passion and love for animals. Lauren truly loved birds and recently lost her African Gray Parrot, Vito, who was 42 years old. She was an avid dog lover and worked with Canine Companions. Lauren was on the board for a company called STARS, which stands for Sea Turtle Adaptive Recreational Scuba. They raised money to pay for equipment and training expenses for two veterans, two hearing-impaired students from Stagg, and a Special Olympic Gold Medalist.
Lauren is survived by her loving fiancé, Michael Duerkes; her mother, Judy Pell; two brothers, Kevin (Nicki) Pell and George Pell; many dear friends including: Elisse and all of her crazy High School Friends from the Sexy Seven; her beloved birds, Echer and Willow; and her certified service dog, Nordic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Canine Companions, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, California 95402, or to A Refuge for Saving Wildlife, 2720 Dundee Rd., Suite 229, Northbrook, Illinois 60062.
Visitation for Lauren M. Pell will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois, from 3:00 p.m., until the Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. As it was her request, cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
