Linnea Mary Buban

Age 82, of Godley, Illinois, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born on November 27, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, Linnea Mary was the daughter of Frank Stanley and Lottie (Cichy) Hudziak. Her formative years were spent in Chicago until her family relocated to Braidwood during her seventh grade. She completed her education at St. Rose Parochial School in Wilmington and continued her studies at St. Francis Academy in Joliet where she graduated with the Class of 1959. Furthering her education, Linnea obtained a Bachelor of Science from St. Francis College in 1968.

On July 13, 1968, Linnea married Thomas Buban at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood with Father Burns presiding. Together they established their home and raised their family in Godley.

Linnea embarked on a professional journey starting as a typesetter at the Joliet Herald News before transitioning into a reporter role for The Kankakee Journal and later the Free Press Newspapers covering Wilmington, Braidwood, and Coal City. In addition she worked as a Lab Tech at John Mansville, Chemlite and Standard Oil, as well as served as the public relations officer for the Godley Park District while being primarily remembered as a dedicated homemaker.

A devout Catholic, Linnea was an active member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City, where she served on Parish Council, and previously Immaculate Conception Parish in Braidwood where she also played the organ. She contributed to the Legion of Mary in both Braidwood and Coal City and was affiliated with the Polish Alliance.

Linnea possessed various talents including music - adept at playing the piano and organ - as well as artistic endeavors such as painting, macramé, crocheting, and baking delightful Gingerbread Houses during the Christmas season. Nature held a special place in her heart where she found solace gardening or observing wildlife; she cherished all animals but particularly adored her cats.

Linnea Buban leaves behind a legacy characterized by unwavering faith and love for her church and family.

Surviving Linnea are her husband, Thomas; daughter Lisa (Stephen) Pitts of Wilmington; son Tom Buban of Chicago; two grandchildren: Devin and Abby Pitts; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her parents Frank Stanley and Lottie Hudziak; brothers Larry and Steve; as well as sister-in-law Theresa Slanicky.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Sunday, April 7, 2024, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Funeral services will take place on Monday morning, April 8th, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 1329 Bellview Avenue in Rockdale. A Traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., led by Reverend Father Michael Magiera FSSP., followed by burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made as Masses offered in Linnea’s name or directed to Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Linnea’s memorial page on social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City. (815/634-2125).