Deena Meyer

Gone too soon, Deena Meyer, age 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 & 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 over 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 6 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. Her parents, brother, Paul and husband, Ron preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Michelle Fitts of Bourbonnais and Kimberly Jawnyj of Huntley, along with her son-in-law, John Fitts, who she respected and loved; her grandchildren, Nicole, Brandon and Justin Boie and Karyn Fitts; great-grandsons, Jacob, Brody, and Ryder Brinkman; her sister-in-law, Judy Johnston; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol & Jim Lustig; sister-in-law, Janice Meyer; and nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She will be remembered on Saturday, April 1, 2023 with a memorial visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the 12:00 Noon memorial service 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 can 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.

Deena Meyer

March 3, 1948 - March 19, 2023