Eleanor Okerblom

Eleanor Okerblom died peacefully at her residence in Escondido, California on August 5 after years of declining health. She was 92. Mrs. Okerblom was born on Chicago’s Northwest side on March 24, 1921 and lived in the city she loved for most of her life. She was preceded in death by Chester, her husband of 67 years, in 2007. Mrs. Okerblom adored her children and reveled in her large family, enjoying nothing more than gatherings with relatives and friends. She was especially close to her brother Fred, her only sibling. Chess, an only child, thought of Fred as the brother he never had. Chess and El traveled all over the U.S. with their children, including an adventurous trip on a houseboat down the Mississippi River. Later in life, when their children were grown, they enjoyed trips in a camper van as well as traveling around the world. As a couple they complemented each other wonderfully, each taking on the duties and responsibilities that best suited them. Arguments were infrequent, affection was ever-present. Mrs. Okerblom was an outspoken advocate of civil rights. She had no patience for prejudice of any kind, a belief she instilled in her children from an early age. She was a devout Catholic and raised her children in the faith, with mixed success. In 1995, Chess and El moved to Southern California to be closer to family. They both made a new life in a seniors' development, and enjoyed being close their daughter, one son and two grandchildren, who they watched grow up. While Chess enthusiastically embraced his new surroundings, El never officially adopted them as 'home' -- even after 15 years as a Californian. 'My home is Chicago,' she often said with a twinkle in her eye. Mrs. Okerblom is survived by four children, Lynn, Jim and John of California and Neal of Texas, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. There will be a burial ceremony at noon Monday, August 19 in a chapel at St. Joseph Cemetery, 3100 Thatcher Ave., River Grove, Illinois. Family and friends are asked to meet Monday August 19th 2013 at 12:00 noon for a committal service in the interment chapel. Following services friends and family will enjoy a funeral luncheon in Eleanor's honor. Interment will take place in the cemetery following the service. Info 708-456-8300.