Elise June Hearns

Elsie J. Hearns age 96 of Mokena passed away peacefully on April 15, 2013 with her loving family by her side. Elsie was born June 2, 1916 in Lynch, Nebraska to Frank and Blanche (Vraspir) Fillipi. She moved to Thurston County with her parents in 1918. Elise had a sharp mind and keen sense of humor, loved to read, daily worked the crossword puzzles, and proudly held a a current driver's license. She loved music and dancing and if a song was playing and she knew the words, she expected you to sing along with her. College football was one of her passions. She was in the stadium for the home games and at her radio when the team was away. Northwestern has lost one of its greatest fans. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Elise was extremly proud of her children and took great joy in her grandchildren. Elise loved and embraced for many generations. Her children would tease her that the reason she lived so long was she was afraid she would miss something. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Hearns; parents; five sister, Martha Fillipi, Libby Grothe, Josephine Niemann, Irene Dopnik, and Anna Armitage; and three brothers, Edward, Jerry, and Lumer Fillipi. To cherish her memory, Elise leaves behind her loving children, James (Sharon) Hearns, Cheryl (Robert) Della Penna, Terrie (Warren) Wilkey, Robert Hearns, and Jerry (Carol) Hearns, D.C.; and her adored grandchildren, Kevin (Lindee) Hearns, Keith (Natalie) Hearns, Sandy (Joe) Bebee, Robert (Anh) Hearns, Niccolo (Diane, M.D.) Della Penna, M.D., Gale (Stephen) Steib, Sean Hearns, and Bailey Hearns. She is also survived by great-grandchildren and wonderful nieces and nephews. A heartfelt thank you to the outstanding caretakers at the Joliet Area Community Hospice who helped Elsie through her fineal days. In lieu of flowers memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice will be appreciated.