Samantha Serena

Samantha M. Serena

Age 35 of Gardner passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

Born February 21, 1984, Samantha Marie is a daughter of Leigh Opyd and Carmen Serena. She was raised and educated in Gardner, and graduated from Gardner-South Wilmington High School with the Class of 2002. Samantha received her Associate's Degree from University of Phoenix, and completed cosmetology school through the Grundy Area Vocational Center. She was employed the past several years at Geri's the Dam Hair Salon in Wilmington. Samantha had a gift for working with special needs persons, and her clients at Trinity Services were very special to her.

She was a past member of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington and the South Wilmington Fireman's Club, where she enjoyed going fishing. Samantha loved to sing and enjoyed all different types of music. She was a loving and beautiful spirit who will be missed by all those who knew her.

Survivors include her parents: Leigh (David) Opyd of Gardner and Carmen (Janis) Serena of Kankakee; her two sons: Chase Caplet and Max Jennings; three brothers: Keith Serena of Gardner, Patrick (Nicole) Serena of Peoria, and Andrew Serena of Gardner; five step-siblings: Sara, Seth, and Jenna Serena, all of Kankakee, Michele Brewick (Fiance Ray Hogan) of Coal City, and Kristina Armstrong of Coal City; ten nieces and nephews: Olivia, Bella, Henry, Hunter, Jaren, Gavin, Kalyn, Courtney, Cora and Colton; as well as several aunts and uncles and numerous nieces and nephews.

Samantha was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Fred and Faye Bally; paternal grandparents: Joseph and Mary Louise Serena; three uncles and three cousins.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and the family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 North Liberty Street, in Gardner from 3:00 p.m. until time of memorial services at 7:00 p.m. Private inurnment will be held in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Samantha's memory to the family, so they can establish an education fund for Chase and Max.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Samantha's memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner (815) 237-2526.