Nelly Perelez Slymon, age 85, formerly of Warrenville; beloved wife of the late Tom Slymon; loving mother of Amira (Shawn) Ballin & Soraya (Eric) Faber; proud grandmother of Robert & Maria Ballin and Thomas, Liam, & Sam Faber; dear sister of Doris Perelez and Evelyn Perelez, the late Luis (Tito) Gilberto Perelez, the late Edna Perelez, and the late Virginia Marerro; aunt to many nieces and nephews & caregiver to many more.

Nelly was born to Swithem Perelez and Isabel Aponte in 1935 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She grew up in the Puerta de la Tierra neighborhood where she was an academic stand-out and an active member of the community.

Her beginnings were humble, but her life aspirations were anything but. She was an exceptionally hard worker, taking on a variety of jobs throughout her childhood, including a stint at the local department store, Infanzon, where she earned a whopping $2 a day.

She pursued a career in nursing at the age of 19 where she honed skills that she incorporated into much of her future life. She was a born nurturer and excelled so quickly at her craft that she ascended into the position of director at a local home health agency.

Her caregiving extended into her family life, where she took great pride in her ability to improve the lives of those she loved. It was at this point she expanded her universe and enlisted in the Army, where she served as a nursing instructor (preparing new recruits for battle in Vietnam). She rose to the rank of captain and received a number of honorable commendations for her exemplary service.

In 1970, she met the love of her life: a handsome Irishman named Tom Slymon.  He dazzled her with his charm, impressed her with his wit and eventually wooed her to join him for a life together. They went on to marry in 1975 and honeymooned in Lake Geneva Wisconsin, where she saw snow for the first time at 39 years old. Nine months later they welcomed their first daughter, Amira, and bambina #2 came shortly after to make their family whole.

Motherhood came naturally to Nelly as she was active in her daughters’ lives: teaching Spanish songs to their preschool classes, distributing fluoride at Holmes elementary, teaching CCD through St Rafael Church, cooking paella for multicultural day at WWS high school and providing never-ending  support to her daughters’ endeavors in academics and life. Her nurturing was not limited to her children as she opened a licensed daycare in her home where she helped raise 32 children, providing sanctuary, guidance and, for many, their first taste of Puerto Rican cuisine. Food was love for Nelly, and her exceptional cuisine touched many, making the Slymon house a destination for great flavors, full bellies and meaningful connection.

Once Nelly’s daughters left for college, she decided to take on a new challenge, using her medical skills and bilingual mastery in a way to serve those in need. She volunteered at the DuPage Community Clinic as medical translator for the working poor and got licensed by the state to work in the Chicagoland area to provide guidance and comfort to those challenged with language barriers.

She welcomed her sons in laws, Shawn and Eric, into the family and she taught them a thing or two on how to navigate a Slymon woman as well as work a successful kitchen. And then came her greatest joy: grandchildren. She took on a new title as “Ita” and plied her new littles Robby, Thomas, Liam, Maria and Sam with love and endless sweets. She was the ultimate “baby-eater” and could often be found snuggled up on the couch with her littlest loves.

Always a giver, she continued a lifetime of service through countless volunteer hours serving the homeless through PADS Hesed House, administering grants to charitable organizations at St Thomas the Apostle church, contributing to the Warrenville multicultural outreach and providing medical assistance through the DuPage Community Clinic,

While we are deeply saddened about her departure, we are comforted in her strong faith and belief that she will always be with us. She’s returned to her husband’s side and we’re certain their unbreakable bond will continue indefinitely.

Memorial Mass at on Wednesday, December 15^th at 10am at St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55th Street, LaGrange, IL 60525. Those unable to attend in-person, can livestream the Mass at https://www.youtube.com/stcletusparish

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nelly’s name to Hesed House (hesedhouse.org) are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Information: (708) 352-6500