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Jane Smandra Obituary

Smandra, Jane Elizabeth (nee Morgan), age 77, of Arlington Heights and Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at her daughters home in Lowell, IN surrounded by her loving family and friends. Jane is survived by her loving companion: Sanford "Sandy" Meggert; 3 children: Michael (Careen) Smandra C.F.D., Cinthia (Danny) Forchione-Ferraresi, and Pamela (Mickey) Macuga; grandchildren: Joel, Elizabeth, and Allison Anderson, Samantha Chowanec-Ferraresi, Dina Kloss, Joseph Forchione, Michael John and Sara Smandra, Michael, Morgan, Maria, and Mikaela Macuga; great-grandchildren: Sofia, Giavanna, and Aria; best-friend: "Anka"; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: George and Ida Morgan; children: Norman Smandra and Susan Anderson-Chowanec; brother: Roger Morgan. Jane was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, IL. She worked as a computer systems analyst for the City of Chicago for 23 years, was a former district leader for the Girl Scouts of America, and enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, FL. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 3:00 PM at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004 with Pastor Karl Schmidt officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 3224 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL 60438 or Ignite the Spirit (Chicago Fire Dept.), 5447 W. Cullom, Chicago, IL 60641. Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, IN, in charge of arrangements. Sign guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. For information contact 219-663-2500.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane Smandra

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Greg Steenveld

July 4, 2025

My condolences to the Smandra family. I did not know Jane but I was friends with Pamela. They lived next door to my grandparents in Chicago. So sorry Pam for your loss. I hope you are well.

Romain (Loius Anthony Salon)

July 19, 2011

Dear family and friends of Jane,
I have known Jane over 10 years. She lit up Louis Anthony Salon every time she came in. She spoke often and highly of her family; and even through the tough times she always made us smile and laugh. She will be missed dearly. Sorry I wasn't able to say this to you all at the memorial. She is in our hearts and prayers.

Joyce Lopez

July 14, 2011

R.I.P.

Judi Kulanda/Nolan

July 13, 2011

Jane was the most remarkable person I have ever known. It was a priviledge to know her. I have known her for about 50 years, and even though we were not close, she was always welcoming and you felt you had just talked to her on the phone this morning. She has been in our prayers for quite some time, but she was always interested in how I was doing. She has had more difficult times than anyone I know, but always a positive attitude which she shared with everyone around her. She must have been an angel here on earth, sent here to help others. I will miss hearing from her. She made a friend of everyone. Our family will greatly miss her. Those of you remaining are so blessed to have her be a part of your lives.

Shirley Brady

July 12, 2011

I worked with Jane at the City of Chicago-Datacenter. She was a good friend of mine, always smiling and funny. We shared many good times together. My prayers are with her and the family. God bless.

Thomas Compall

July 11, 2011

I worked with Jane at the City of Chicago, the woman was always a delight. I knew of alot of her ups and downs and of course she had rough days just like us all but somehow she always made you smile. But she was always I guess kind of a mom to us all. And she was always there for us. No doubt jane will be missed as a friend and a person that you could always count on to help you. My prayers are with her and her whole family. Condolences and Love to the family

July 11, 2011

We did not know Jane very well but the times we were together she always had a smile & we enjoyed our conversations with her. She was a very sweet lady & know she will be missed by all. My sincere condolences to the family.

Debbie Kloss

mona bulaw

July 11, 2011

We loved Jane so much. We Have been friends of Jane and Sandy for many years and enjoyed their company when we were together.. We wintered in Florida with them. Jane was the most positive, upbeat, funny, and caring person I've known in a long time. She loved her family so much. I am so sad too lose such a wonderful friend. We will always remember her smiling face and bubbly personality. Jay and Mona Bulaw

Steve Cale

July 10, 2011

Mike, Cindi, Pam, and extended Smandra Family, very sad to hear about your Mom. I learned quite a few lessons about the values of life and family from her. In our younger days when some of us were causing havoc at the park, she very often reminded us of the consequences, how true they are.
I haven't seen you in awhile but I think of your family and the good times alot. You are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I apologize that I am not there to pay my respects.
+ God Bless Mrs. Smandra, Norm and Sue +

BRUCE WELKER

July 10, 2011

As former back yard neighbors of Jane and Sandy, we enjoyed seeing their zest for life, their love of their family, and the joy they had to winter in Florida each year. Jane attended the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church (now The Orchard EFC) for a while, but soon knew she needed to worship with her family at St. Peter's. As you, the family, let her go from this life, her Lord and Savior was welcoming her into the joy of eternal life. May you be comforted in that knowledge. Fondly, Bruce and Beth Welker (former Marion St. neighbors)

Bruce and Beth Welker
Jul 10, 2011
Mt. Prospect, IL

Joe Massani

July 10, 2011

I knew Jane during my career at the City. She was always a joy to be around. Always smiling and always happy. God bless her.

Rich & Gayle Guzik

July 10, 2011

We have known Jane as a friend for almost 35 years. We will miss her bright eyes, welcoming demeaner, and constant smile. She will be severely missed.

Bruce/Beth Welker

July 10, 2011

As former back yard neighbors of Jane and Sandy, we enjoyed seeing their zest for life, their love of their family, and the joy they had to winter in Florida each year. Jane attended the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church (now The Orchard EFC) for a while, but soon knew she needed to worship with her family at St. Peter's. As you, the family, let her go from this life, her Lord and Savior was welcoming her into the joy of eternal life. May you be comforted in that knowledge. Fondly, Bruce and Beth Welker (former Marion St. neighbors)

Richard Guzik

July 10, 2011

It has been my pleasure to have known Jane for over 35 years and to have worked with her for over 20 years at the City. Her constant smile, welcoming demeaner and bright eyes were her trade mark. I will sorely miss her and the constant joy that she shared where ever she went.

joanne metz

July 10, 2011

My Auntie Jane,
She was more than just an aunt to me. She has been there all of my life like a Mother. She had helped me get through so many tough times in my life as she did for so many. Always cheery, and her always famous "hello hello hello" will never be forgot. She was the "Queen" of our family, and will so so be missed. Words cannot express this. We love you forever, "Yo Fav Auntie Jane"
Love always your fav neicy, jbannnnnnnnnnnnna

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