Gone too soon, Deena Meyer, 75, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Arcadia Care of Clifton. Born, Deena Rae Johnston on March 3, 1948, she was the second child of William and Geraldine Johnston.
Deena adored her dad, who passed away suddenly when she was just 15 years old. She was a faithful and loving daughter to her mother until her death. Deena graduated from Kankakee High School. A lifelong resident of Kankakee County, Deena was a hairdresser at the Patio Salon in her early adult life. She worked for more than 30 years, advancing to a supervisory position for SBC (previously Illinois Bell), where she made many lifelong friends. After retiring from SBC, she worked for Creditors Collections and in the office at FCA, her son-in-law’s business.
Deena, a divorced, hard-working mother, married Ronald “Slick” Meyer on March 16, 1973. Deena’s oldest daughter, Michelle, officially became a Meyer when Ron adopted her when she was six years old. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Kimberly in 1978. Deena raised her daughters to be strong, independent women, encouraging them to pursue higher education and fulfilling jobs. She supported both of her girls, proud of them for the women they grew to be. Deena spent many evenings, after working all day, to care for her grandchildren, Nicole, Brandon, and Justin, so Michelle could work a second job. She traveled north to care for and love on her grand dogs when Kim traveled. She and Ron loved and spoiled Jewel and Sofie, their dogs.
Deena was a loyal wife, a thoughtful and generous mother, grandmother, and friend. She was an outspoken, self-sufficient, and strong-willed woman, who loved her family and friends deeply. She and Ron enjoyed spending weekends at their cabin on Hog Island early in their marriage. Later in their marriage, they spent many wonderful times boating with friends, going to the Covered Bridge Festival and Branson, Missouri, going on cruises, and later wintering in Florida until Ron’s death in 2021. A very private person, Deena remained active until a sudden diagnosis of diverticulitis, which led to a rapid decline in her health. She chose to enter Hospice care in February, with her immediate family by her side.
Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Michelle Fitts of Bourbonnais and Kimberly Jawnyj of Huntley, along with her son-in-law, John Fitts, who she respected and loved; grandchildren, Nicole, Brandon, and Justin Boie and Karyn Fitts; great-grandsons, Jacob, Brody, and Ryder Brinkman; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy Johnston, Carol and Jim Lustig, and Janice Meyer; and nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Her husband, Ron, parents, and brother, Paul, preceded her in death.
A memorial service was held on April 1, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Deena and her husband, Ron, have each been cremated. A private family burial will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts of friendship and remembrance, memorials may be made to “Piersen Strong” (Piersen Eaker): A young family friend, who was permanently injured in 2014 at the hands of his daycare provider. Memorials will be used for home renovations, including a bedroom, and living area that is wheelchair accessible, a roll-in shower and bath area, and a lift that will work throughout his special new spaces. Please visit piersenstrong.com for more information or to make a donation in memory of Deena.
Please sign her guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.