Myra McWilliams

Myra McWilliams, born on July 31, 1933, in Melton Mowbray, England, lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and connection. After enduring a childhood influenced by WWII as the youngest of 9, she came to the United States as a nurse and midwife, bringing with her a deep calling to care for others. The day of her arrival in Chicago, she met the love of her life, James McWilliams, and the two were married in 1962. James preceded her in death in 2001.

Myra was a remarkable woman whose talents and passions touched many lives. She was among the early contributors to Gaelic Park, helping lay the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of Irish culture in the Chicago area. For more than 30 years, she shared her love of the arts as an actress with the Gaelic Park Players Group, bringing stories to life and creating lasting memories for those who watched her perform.

Professionally, Myra was both a gifted nurse and an educator. She owned and operated a company that trained Certified Nursing Assistants, shaping the next generation of caregivers with her knowledge, standards, and heart. She was a great teacher who believed in people and helped them see their own potential.

Myra was a loving person, an amazing woman with so many facets, and someone who left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She is survived by her brother, Frank, her sons, Frank and Kevin (Jody), her 9 grandchildren, Ashley, Justin, Brendan, Rebecca, Breanne, Conner, Madalyn, Elliot, and Colin, and 2 great-grandchildren Ainslie and Kaelin. Myra was a loving dog mom to Molly and Charlie and a special friend Tom. She was preceded in death by her son Bryan, her husband James, her parents, Edith and Albert Haynes, and her siblings Bryan, Monica, Mark, Chuck, Hubert, Vivian, and Tony. To know her was to know her wit, her wisdom, and her wry humor. She was always cracking jokes, offering tea, or reciting poetry she knew by heart.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 3:00-8:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL. Funeral Wednesday, 9:30 AM at the Funeral Home to St. George Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the community she helped build.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Myras memory to Cache Creek Rescue. They took amazing care of Myra’s dog Charlie, thank you so much Barb Bartkowiak for adopting Charlie!! cachecreekanimalrescue@yahoo.com.