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Noreen J. Oosterbaan - 91

6/21/1929 - 7/10/2020

Flossmoor

 

Heaven gained a glorious angel as our dear mom, Noreen Josephine Oosterbaan, age 91, went home to be with the Lord on July 10, 2020. She passed peacefully in the arms of her Saviour Jesus Christ, who brought her soul to rest in Heaven with God speed.

Noreen, daughter of the late Gustave and Mary Kopp, and late sister Marian and Hank Dreger, was born on June 21st, 1929 in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood. She was preceded in death by her husband Brandt Jeremiah Oosterbaan, whom she wed at St. Nicholas Parish on September 13, 1952. Prior to, she worked in the loan department of Pullman bank after graduating from St. Louis Academy. While engaged, Noreen wrote Brandt a letter every day the two years he served in the Korean War. They were married for 59 years.  Together they raised seven children in their beloved Roseland, as parishioners of St. Willibrord Catholic church for 19 years, before moving to Flossmoor in 1971. She also leaves behind her dear brother Kevin (Fran) Kopp and many treasured nephews and nieces.

As Brandt continued to lead his third generation Painting business, Oosterbaan and Sons in Posen, our mother’s family was her passion to which she selflessly devoted her life’s purpose and calling.  A devout Catholic her entire life, she placed her faith in God above all else. She remained an active parishioner at Infant Jesus of Prague in Flossmoor for 45 years, until moving into the compassionate care of the Dominican Sisters of Rosary Hill convalescent home, in Justice Il, where she resided for nearly two years.

Cherished mother of her two sons, Brandt (Tara) and Greg (Amanda) Oosterbaan, and five daughters; Marybeth (Stan) Beyler, Kathy Oosterbaan, Jan (Tim) Coleman, Sandra (Derek) Phillips, and her beloved (late) Karen Oosterbaan. Loving Grandmother to Cara (Michael) Bencic, Sam Durkin, Sara (Dan) Ryan, Molly (John) Sokolowski, Claire, Luke, Christopher, and Michael (Shauna) Oosterbaan.  Rebecca (Bennett) Wickre, Paul (Emilia) Beyler, Brian, Bob (Julie) and Jack (Bridget) Coleman, and Nicholas Phillips. Adored Great Grandmother of Leo, Anthony, Vincent, Rosie, Margo, Edie, Johnny, Lily, Sawyer, Beatrix, and Charlotte.

She took great pleasure in playing endless cards and games with her dear grandkids, even if they could rarely beat her, such luck she had! Never once did she miss honoring a loved one’s birthday or special event in their lives.

As a lifelong White sox fan, she relished A beer in a paper cup at the game. Her keen wit will be greatly missed. When she finally sat down in her little lazy boy chair to relax, she’d be found challenging herself to the latest sudoko or crossword puzzle in the daily paper she read.  She delighted in always balancing her checkbook to the penny.

Dear to her heart were residents with disabilities at the Ludeman Developmental Center, in Park Forest, where she volunteered through I.J.P’s outreach program for many years.  Fred, her assigned resident, was like an adopted son to her.  She loved treating him to milkshakes before returning him home.

Noreen was a skilled bridge player who loved a good game with the gals or playing golf on a league and with Brandt at the club.  Together they were blessed to winter in Bonita Springs, Florida at their condo for nearly twenty years. In summers they cherished their time at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana, surrounded by an abundance of family, a third generation tradition continued by their offspring today.

Mom’s legacy will always be not only the Faith she bestowed upon her family, but the genuine example by which she lived it.

As our Matriarch, she gently led us in humility, compassion and virtue.

When you sat a moment with sweet ‘Nor’, you knew you mattered, no matter who you were. She gifted us by being a great listener. Her special way of making you feel heard and supported will be forever missed and cherished.

With grace she showed us how to live simply, be grateful, love fully and leave the rest to God. Praying was central in her daily life.

We thank you our dear mother and gramma, for reminding us we were always the highlight of your days, with that knowing twinkle in your gaze!

“Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come.” (Proverbs 31:25)

Rest in our dear Lord mom, and in Dad and Karen’s loving embrace. You’ve arrived!

Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W 14th St (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Thursday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. (NOTE: Due to the current circumstances and CDC guidelines masks are required upon entrance of funeral home for the visitation.)

Private funeral mass at Infant Jesus of Prague Church, Flossmoor and interment Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rosary Hill Nursing Home, 9000 W 81st Street, Justice, IL, 60458 or Catholic Charities of Chicago, 721 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL, 60654, www.catholiccharities.net/DonateNow/GeneralDonations.aspx would be appreciated by the Oosterbaan family. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.

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