Doris Marie Brown, 87, an Oak Park resident for more than 50 years, died on Oct. 13, 2015 surrounded by her family and friends. Born on Feb. 6, 1928, she was a graduate of Boston University with a master’s degree in education and earned an associate’s degree in horticulture from Triton College. She taught for 29 years at Roosevelt Middle School in River Forest, working with developmentally disabled students, and was a devoted member of First United Church of Oak Park for over 25 years. A former chair of the Oak Park Forestry Commission, she loved Garfield Conservatory and enjoyed the village’s many parks, her favorite being Austin Gardens. She was active in the PTA organizations of Holmes, Brooks, and OPRF High School and attended almost every field trip while helping these schools organize numerous events. She enjoyed the Lyric Opera, musical theater, and traveling.
Doris Brown is survived by her daughters, Stephanie Joy Garrigan, Lynette Brown and Renee Selina Ducksworth; her granddaughters, Theresa Doris Garrigan, Selina Marie Ducksworth and Hannah Marie Garrigan; her great-granddaughters, Sophia Rose Garrigan and London Fabiola Peschke; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Germain and Rosanna Chaisson; her adoptive mother, Lucille Merrill; and her siblings, Leo, Sylvio, Dennis, Aurel, Jean Paul and Albany Chaisson.
A memorial is planned for 3:30 p.m., Nov. 15 in the Patio Room at the Oak Park Arms, her final home. Memorials for a remembrance in one of Oak Park’s parks are appreciated by the family.
Robert Johnsen, 86
Member of Calvary Memorial Church
Robert E. Johnsen Jr., 86, a former 50-year resident of Oak Park, died on Oct. 25, 2015. Born on April 7, 1929 in Chicago, he was a graduate of the University of Illinois and went on to complete his law degree at Northwestern University. He was a longtime member of Calvary Memorial Church of Oak Park.
Robert Johnsen is survived by Betty, his wife of 59 years; his children, David, Karen (Marc) Wesseler, and Steven (Colleen); his grandchildren, Kaila (John) Caveney, Kevin, Keith, Kara Rose and Kaden Johnsen, Christian, Sarah, Abigail and Logan Wesseler; and his great-grandchildren, Ace, Isabella, and Wesley Caveney.
A memorial service was held on Oct. 29 at Calvary Memorial Church, followed by private interment.
Donations in his name to Calvary Memorial Church are appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Williams-Kampp Funeral Home. Additional information is available at 630-668-0016.