Obituary for Welda McGushin Hedrick
Obituary for Welda Jane Rekus McGushin Hedrick
Welda Jane Rekus McGushin Hedrick, 88, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2020, at Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, Illinois, leaving behind many friends and a large extended family who will miss her presence.
Welda Jane was born 26 September, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, to Catherine Almira Whaley, formerly of Spalding, Missouri, and Bernardine B. “B.B.” Rekus, of Edina, Missouri.
B.B. was an insurance agent who often purchased apartment buildings as a part of his financial portfolio. Due to that strategy, the family moved often and Welda went from school to school gathering many long-lasting friendships along the way. She attended schools in Chicago including St. Laurence Grade School, Our Lady of Peace Grade School, St. Willibrord High School, and Aquinas High School.
After graduating from Aquinas, Welda attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, for one year and then transferred to Touhy Business College in downtown Chicago.
About that time, she met and fell in love with Bill McGushin. They married in April, 1951, in Chicago. Bill was soon drafted and sent to train with the Central Intelligence Corp in Maryland. Welda landed a position as secretary to the Assistant Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Her dreams of having a family were realized shortly after that, and she and Bill ultimately became the parents of eight children.
Welda Jane was an outgoing and vivacious person who spread joy wherever she went. Her Catholic faith was an essential part of who she was and motivated her to serve her community in many and varied positions. She served as chairperson for numerous church and school fundraisers over the years, and when the children were in elementary school she was named “Woman of the Year” of Ascension Women’s Club. Her family and friends will forever remember her good cooking, and the warm hospitality she shared while frequently hosting large family gatherings, holiday events and dinner parties. Playing a round of golf or bowling with her friends kept her looking young well into her 80s. She tried to never miss a reunion, ballgame, concert, play, graduation or wedding of her many grandchildren while juggling her busy calendar to fit in as many family events as possible.
Welda was the beloved wife of 40 years to the late William J. “Bill” McGushin and 22 years to the late Franklin Hedrick, Jr.
Devoted mother of Michael McGushin, Terry McGushin (Kathy), Joseph McGushin (d. 1955), Kathleen Carlson (late Vern), Maureen Morgan (Michael), Dennis McGushin (Maureen), Eileen Massimilian (James), Patrick McGushin (Pam), and three stepchildren and their spouses.
She was the adored Grandmere of Kyle (Andrea), Megan, Michael (Leigh Ann), Kelly (Andrew), Keri, Casey (Ami), Jackie (Joseph), Sean (Nikki), Kristopher (Meghan), Andrea, Ryan (Hailey), Patrick (Nancy), Kevin, Brennen and Evan.
Her nine great-grandchildren, who called her “GG”, cherished her: Ellery, Evie, Abel, Emmet, Jack, Alden, Brooks, Michael, and Harrison.
Welda was the loving sister of the late Bernard W. “Bernie” Rekus, and a dear aunt of many nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind many descendants of Carrie Fitchen Whaley, her maternal grandmother, of Spalding, Missouri, who will miss her sweet spirit and abiding love.
A funeral mass was held Saturday morning, March 21st, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Orland Park, Illinois. Due to her passing in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions on the size of gatherings, the ceremony to celebrate her life and cherish her memory was limited to only her children and their spouses. Private interment was in Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, Attn: Sister Rosemary Connelly, 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660 or online at www.misericordia.com and will be most appreciated.
www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878
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