Doris Juanita Gee

Doris “Juanita” Gee passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, quiet strength, deep faith, and enduring love for her family.

Juanita was born on October 18, 1929, in Big Rock Township, Illinois, to Clyde and Thelma (Tate) Hamblen. She graduated from Elburn High School in Elburn, Illinois. She later received CNA certification and also completed grief counseling training, reflecting her lifelong desire to care for others.

On June 21, 1952, she was united in marriage to William E.“Bill” Gee. The two shared 67 years of marriage before Bill preceded her in death in 2019. Together they built a life centered on faith, love of family, and hard work, and raised their four children: Robert, Mark, Candy, and Connie.

Juanita was a woman who made a house feel like home. She loved family gatherings and was often at the center of big dinners and holiday celebrations full of laughter and story telling. She loved to cook and had years of experience preparing meals for a crowd. Her table was always beautifully set, often with flowers or a centerpiece she had arranged herself. There always seemed to be room for one more chair, and anyone who dropped by was warmly welcomed.

For many years, Juanita worked for Jewel-Osco in Geneva, Illinois, where she held management roles in the dairy department and later in receiving. She was known for being smart, efficient, and capable, earning the respect of those she worked with, including the many truckers who made deliveries to the store. Even after retirement, Juanita continued caring for others, working as a CNA in nursing homes and in individual home healthcare. She also worked as a hostess at the ACL Cove restaurant. Juanita loved conversation and had a way of connecting with people wherever she went. These connections remained a defining part of her throughout her life.

She also found joy in beauty and creativity. Juanita loved her flower gardens and, well into her 90s, could still be found tending them, weeding, deadheading, and trimming when needed. Her yard was a source of pride, and she often divided and shared flowers with family and friends. She was also a gifted hand quilter, and her children and grandchildren treasure the quilts she lovingly made, sometimes using fabric passed down from her mother.

Juanita and Bill shared a story that began in childhood. They grew up knowing one another, dated in high school, and after Bill returned from his Navy service, they married and began building their life together in Elburn. When they built their first home, Juanita worked right alongside him, helping however she was needed. That same strength and determination stayed with her throughout her life.

Her faith was a guiding force. Juanita was a member of the Congregational Church in Elburn, Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church, and later Galena Bible Church. She loved her church family and was known as a warm and welcoming presence. She helped in church kitchens, especially for funeral dinners, and she and Bill were often part of the welcoming committee for newcomers and visitors. She cared deeply for people who were hurting, and her compassion was evident in the comfort she offered so freely.

Juanita also had a special eye for beauty. She loved interior design and took pride in creating lovely surroundings wherever she lived, even in her assisted living years. More than that, she had a way of making people feel seen, loved, and valued. Everyone who knew her understood that she truly cared.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. “Bill” Gee, in 2019.

Juanita is lovingly survived by her children, Robert D. (Sheila) Gee of Apple River, Illinois, Mark William (Tonya) Gee of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Candy (Jeff) Mack of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and Connie (Jarrett) DuBois of Stockton, Illinois; her sister, Inell Preusker of Grayslake, Illinois; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held 1pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church with a visitation and refreshments from 11am - 1pm. In lieu of flowers donations would be to the Sonshine Center in Elizabeth.