Janice Lee Challender

Janice Lee Challender

Age 84, passed away Thursday July 16, 2026 at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Born to James Edward & Marjorie Janet (Gates) Challender at Silver Cross Hospital. She lived most of her life in Joliet. Janice attended Woodland Grade School, Washington Jr. High and Joliet Central High School Calss of 1960. Employed by Joliet Federal Savings & Loan as a secretary for 7 years, Louis Joliet Bank for 5 ½ years, Rialto Square ticket agent for 10 years and Silver Cross Hospital for 22 years as unit clerk in the Dialysis Unit. Member of Kings Daughters 50 years, JATOE Joliet Area Theater Organ Enthusiast, ATOS American Theater Organ Society (Past President Chicagoland Chapter), and member of the Central Indiana and Dairyland Chapters. Janice was a member of the Homer Congregational Church since July 1967, she devoted her life to Jesus.

Janice’s hobbies were swimming at Joliet Beach Club and Centennial Beach in Naperville, dancing at Willowbrook Ballroom and others in the area, caring for her beloved kitties Millie and Tillie. Traveling to hear her beloved theater pipe organ music especially at the SanFilippo Estate in Barrington, IL.

Janice leaves behind several cousins and a multitude of friends who will treasure the memory of her joyful spirt and happy times.

Funeral Services will be held, Wednesday July 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. Interment will be at Elmhurst Cemetery, next to her parents. Visitation Wednesday morning, 10:00 a.m. until time of services.