Margaret E. (Shannon) Bertrand

Margaret E. “Greta” Bertrand, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The daughter of Raymond and Mary (Mulera) Shannon was born on July 18, 1933 in Pontiac, Illinois. She started her education at St. Mary's in Pontiac, then when family relocated to Ottawa, Illinois, she completed her high school education at Marquette High School. She attended St. Joseph School of Nursing in Joliet, Illinois, graduating in 1954.

Greta married Edwin “Bing” Bertrand in 1957. They resided in Joliet raising their two children. She worked full time as a nurse for over 50 years with time at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Lakewood Nursing Home in Plainfield, and Joliet Area Community Hospice until she retired in 2009 at the age of 75.

Greta had a great love for travel and always wanted to be on the move whether this was evening drives in her car or running to activities with her grandchildren. She enjoyed countless trips to Florida and seven trips to Ireland, where she cherished learning about her heritage. Greta's faith was deeply important to her and for many years she was seen at 8:00 am mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond. She cared for everyone, family and friends, and could lighten the mood with a quick joke or by cooking your favorite meal. She loved working in her kitchen and hosting, preparing for huge family holiday dinners, cookouts with friends, or her famous holiday fudge cooking marathons.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori (Chris) Adler of Joliet, and family - Meghan (AJ) Vivaldelli, and their children Elizabeth, Margaret, and Cooper: CJ Adler: Matthew (Kathleen) Adler and their children, Allyson, Madeline, and Molly: Sarah (Nick) Lennon and their son Christopher. Son, Ed (Lori) Bertrand of Ottawa, and family Kate (Steve) Schumacher and their sons Andrew, Caleb, and Isaac: Anna (Patrick) Biangimano and sons Austin and Zane. Mark (Sarah) Rochacz and their children Samuel and Isabella: Robert (Tammy) Rochacz. Brothers, James Shannon, Donald Shannon; and sisters, Coletta Hilton, and Helen Powell.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Edwin “Bing” Bertrand; infant daughter, Sarah; parents, Raymond and Mary Shannon; brother, Raymond Shannon Jr.; and sisters, Geraldine Burke, Rita Salz, and Janet Salz.

The family would like to thank her caregiver Susan, who treated her with an overabundance of care and love. We’d also like to thank the Timbers of Shorewood where Greta resided for several years, and especially Lightways Hospice for walking alongside our mom and our family by providing comfort and clarity through a most difficult time.

Honorary pallbearers, C.J. Adler, Matthew Adler, Steven Schumacher, A.J. Vivaldelli, Nicholas Lennon and Joseph Voitik.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Greta’s name to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.

A celebration of Greta’s life will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 a.m. Margaret will be laid to rest privately at a later date with her husband, Edwin at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.