Collette M. Langhamer
Collette M. Langhamer, nee Pikulski, age 88, of Darien, Illinois, born November 4, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois (native of Bridgeport) and died February 17, 2023 in Westmont. Wife of the late Joseph E. Langhamer, daughter of the late Walter and Mae Pikulski, survived by son Joseph C. Langhamer wife Judy (Firtik), son David W. Langhamer wife Dawn (O’Connell), daughter Janice M. (Bingaman) husband Rick, son Mark S. Langhamer late wife Renee (Braun), daughter Jacqueline A. (Corcoran) husband Scott, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, sister of the late Celine Wall and late husband Gerald Wall. Attended Saint Barbara’s Grammar School in Bridgeport, Saint Mary of Perpetual Help High School and Saint Bernard’s School of Nursing. Worked at several hospitals: Hines Veterans Hospital caring for Korean War Veterans, Saint Bernard’s Hospital and Saint Anthony Hospital. Collette’s primary joy in life was spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Collette and her husband Joseph enjoyed retirement at their country house fishing, boating and enjoying the outdoors in Lake Shelbyville. Collette was a devout lifelong practicing Catholic. Visitation 4-9 p.m. Thursday February 23rd at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove. Prayers 9:15 a.m. Friday February 24th from the funeral home to St. Joseph Church, 4801 Main St., Downers Grove, for Mass at 10 a.m. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Misericordia Heart of Mercy or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital appreciated. Funeral info 630-964-6500
EULOGY OF COLLETTE M. LANGHAMER
Collette was born on November 4, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Collette married Joseph E. Langhamer. They had five children: son Joseph C. Langhamer wife Judy (Firtik), son David W. Langhamer wife Dawn (O’Connell), daughter Janice M. (Bingaman) husband Rick, son Mark S. Langhamer, late wife Renee (Braun), daughter Jacqueline A. (Corcoran) husband Scott, her 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, sister of the late Celine Wall and late husband Gerald Wall.
Collette attended Saint Barbara’s Grammar School in Bridgeport, Saint Mary of Perpetual Help High School and Saint Bernard’s School of Nursing. Collette worked at several hospitals: Hines Veterans Hospital caring for Korean War Veterans, Saint Bernard’s Hospital and Saint Anthony Hospital.
Collette’s primary joy in life was spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Collette and her husband Joseph enjoyed retirement at their country house fishing, boating and enjoying the outdoors in Lake Shelbyville, Illinois.
Collette was a devout lifelong practicing Catholic attending mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Whether or not the times were good or bad, Collette found comfort in prayer, especially as said the rosary.
Collette was a very dedicated wife to her husband and mother to her children. Collette was an exceptional homemaker, cook as well as being the matriarch of the family. Collette worked exhaustively giving 100% effort to raising her children. Collette instilled morals, ethics, respect and religion into her five children. Collette utilized her nursing skills while raising her children. Collette enjoyed cooking great dinners and succulent desserts for her family.
Shortly after her husband Joseph’s passing, Collette moved in with her youngest son Mark in his home in Westmont. During this two and a half years, Collette was visited by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Collette also enjoyed the comfort and emotional support from Mark’s dog Ford AKA Poodie.
During the last 12 months of Collette’s life, she was blessed with the world’s greatest caregiver, Herald Medran. Herald took exceptional care of Collette. Both of them formed a strong bond together. Many times, Herald would sit in a chair adjacent to Collette’s bed, so he could comfort her and provide her emotional support. Herald never complained and had his heart completely into his work as he cared for Collette.
Now Collette is no longer suffering and is in heaven with her husband Joseph, mother Mae, father Walter, sister Kitchie and daughter-in-law Renee. May God rest her soul and may she rest in peace eternally.
My condolences to all of the Langhamers, had I known of Collette’s passing, myself and my entire family would have been honored to attend the services as Mark was a major part of my life as well as my family’s. God Bless all of you.