The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation Services

03/12/2026

Gerardo Franco del Rayo, cariñosamente conocido como Gerardito, falleció el 6 de marzo de 2026. Gerardito a su corta edad de tan solo 6 añitos con su sonrisa conquistó muchos corazones. Un niño valiente sin temor a nada, fanatico del fútbol y con sueños de llegar a ser policía. Dejó un vacío en los corazones de muchos, ahora el cielo brilla más porque él vive en él.

Su velorio sera el sabado, 14 de marzo 2026 a partir de las 10:00 am en la funeraria The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su santa misa será a las 3:00 pm en la Iglesia Sagrada Familia, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su sepelio será en el Cementerio Municipal La Paz, en Ixtlahuacan del Rio, Jalisco, Mexico.

Si gustan apoyar a la familia lo puede hacer a través de este enlace: https://thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/gerardo-franco-del-rayo/guestpayment

Se les agradece sus oraciones hacia la familia de Gerardito.

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Gerardo Franco del Rayo, lovingly known as Gerardito, passed away on March 6, 2026. At the tender age of just six years old, Gerardito captured many hearts with his adorable smile. He was a brave little boy who feared nothing—a soccer enthusiast with dreams of becoming a police officer. He has left a void in the hearts of many; now, the heavens shine brighter, for he lives there.

His wake will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. His funeral Mass will take place at 3:00 PM at Holy Family Church (Iglesia Sagrada Familia), 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Interment will be held at a later date at Cementerio Municipal La Paz, in Ixtlahuacán del Río, Jalisco, Mexico.

If you would like to make a donation towards his funeral expenses you may do so via the following link:
https://thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/gerardo-franco-del-rayo/guestpayment

The family of Gerardito is deeply grateful for your prayers.

https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/gerardo-franco-del-rayo

Gerardo was born on August 27th, 2019 and passed away on March 9th, 2026 at the age of 6

03/12/2026

Orlando Wayne McLelland, earned his angel wings on March 9, 2026. Orlando was born on January 26, 2026. He is survived by his parents, Anthony B McLelland and Phylisha A Felder, his 3-year-old brother, extended family and friends.

His visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00 am with the service beginning at 12:00 noon, both will be held at Vertical Encounter Church, 24 N Chapel Street, Waukegan, IL 60085.

Following the service, he will be laid to rest alongside his grandmother, Diane McLelland, at Northshore Garden of Memories, 1801 Greenbay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064.

If you would like to make a donation towards his funeral expenses, you may do so via the following link:
https://thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/orlando-wayne/guestpayment

Arrangements are entrusted to The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, for more information, please call, 847-623-3730.

https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/orlando-wayne

Orlando Wayne was born on January 26th, 2026 and passed away on March 9th, 2026

03/11/2026

Today is National Funeral Director Day.

Most people will never truly understand the weight funeral directors carry. They walk with families on the hardest days of their lives when words are hard to find and hearts are broken.

They hold space for grief, honor stories that deserve to be remembered, and help families say goodbye with dignity and love.

It is quiet work. It is heavy work. But it is deeply meaningful work.

Today we honor the funeral directors who stand beside families when they need it most. Thank you for the compassion, strength, and heart you bring to your calling every single day. 🩵

03/11/2026

Con profundo pesar anunciamos el fallecimiento de la Sra. Alicia Vazquez Rogel quien nos dejó el 9 de marzo de 2026 a la edad de 87 años.

Originaria de San Martín Coapaxtengo Edo de México. Fue muestra de Profesión Su Vida fue un testimonio de humildad, perseverancia y lealtad.

Amaba las flores y plantas, pasar tiempo con su perro y su gato, también le gustaba tejer y bordar.

Le sobreviven sus hijos Delia Nava, Julio Nava y su esposa Ira Jaime Nava, Sandra Barrera; sus hermanos: Alfredo y Eloy; sus nietos Byanca, Tina, Kevin, Jaime, Kenny, Jessy, Jossue, y Itzel; Y amigos que atesoran con cariño su recuerdo.

Se invita a amigos y familia a su velorio cual será a partir de las 11:00 am y su santa misa a las 12:00 pm del mediodía, ambos serán el sábado 14 de marzo del 2026, en Iglesia Sagrada Familia, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su sepelio sera en Panteón Catolico Ascension, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048.

"Siempre en nuestro recuerdo y en nuestro Corazón"

La familia agradece sus oraciones y condolencias. Para más información, favor de llamar al 847-623-3730.

Alicia was born on April 10th, 1938 and passed away on March 9th, 2026 at the age of 87

03/05/2026

Miguel Lara, de 63 años de edad, falleció el 2 de marzo del 2026. Hijo de J. Dolores Lara y Esther Gonzalez Ruiz, Miguel nació el 5 de diciembre de 1962 en Uriangato, Guanajuato, Mexico. Le sobreviven su querida esposa, Minerva Lara; sus hijos, nietos y mucha familia extendida y amigos que tuvieron la dicha de conocerlo.

Su velorio sera el dia domingo, 8 de marzo 2026 de 1:00pm - 5:00pm en la funeraria, The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su santa misa será el día, lunes, 9 de marzo 2026 a las 10:00 am en la Iglesia Sagrada Familia, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su sepelio sera en el Panteón Catolico Ascension, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. Para más información, favor de llamar al, 847-623-3730.

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Miguel Lara, 63 years old, passed away on March 2nd, 2026. The son of J. Dolores Lara and Esther Gonzalez Ruiz; Miguel was born on December 5, 1962 in Uriangato, Guanajuato, Mexico. He is survived by his beloved wife, Minerva Lara; their children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends who he met throughout his life.

His visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8th, 2026 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. His funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am at Holy Family Church, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. For more information, please call, 847-623-3730.

Miguel was born on December 5th, 1962 and passed away on March 2nd, 2026 at the age of 63

03/05/2026

Juan Gustavo Cienfuegos, 54 años de edad, falleció el 28 de febrero de 2026 en su domicilio. Juan nació el 14 de enero de 1972 en Toluca, México. Hijo de Jose Guadalupe Cienfuego y Maria del Carmen Rubi. Juan fue una persona amable, siempre estaba dispuesto ayudar a quien sea.

Su velorio sera el sabado, 7 de marzo de 2026 de 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm en la funeraria The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Donaciones hacia sus gastos funebres serian apreciados y pueden ser realizados via: https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/juan-gustavo-cienfuegos/guestpayment

Para más información, favor de llamar al, 847-623-3730.

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Juan Gustavo Cienfuegos, 54 years old, passed away on February 28, 2026 at home. Juan was born January 14, 1972 in Toluca, Mexico. The son of Jose Guadalupe Cienfuego and Maria del Carmen Rubi. Juan was a kind man, always volunteering to help those in need.

His visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Donations towards his funeral service, are appreciated and could be made via: https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/juan-gustavo-cienfuegos/guestpayment

For more information, please call, 847-623-3730.

https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/juan-gustavo-cienfuegos

Juan Gustavo was born on January 14th, 1972 and passed away on February 28th, 2026 at the age of 54

03/05/2026

Mary Kathryn Zerbe, lovingly known as “Molly” 75 years old, of Cary, Illinois, passed away at home on February 27, 2026. The daughter of Edward and Clementine Kern (nee McLin); Molly was born on June 24, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As a sister in a family of five children she was the “baby”. When she was a child, Molly could con her way into your dates and end up being the life of the party.

Molly was a beautiful and unique woman. Molly was the Auntie all the kids adored and she loved them fiercely. She was always ready to listen, offer advice, help buy their first car and support them in any way possible; her nieces and nephews saw her as a second mother.

In business she was shrewd and meticulous. Her mind for figures was uncanny and nothing got by her. She took pride in any venture she tackled.

Her two dogs, Lucy and Ethel were her pride and joy in her later life. Through her dog walking she met fabulous neighbors who remained very close to her.

Molly was sunshine and rainbows all rolled into one. Her sense of humor was so infectious she could actually get everyone crying from laughter.

To her family Molly was everything and her family was everything to her. She was truly loved and will be so missed.

She is survived by her sisters, Joan Barrus, Andrea Foster, Karolyn Gratz and brother Edward “Tucker” Kern; along with a host of nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Clementine Kern; brothers-in-law Charles Foster & Stephen Gratz; and nephew Mark Foster.

In loving memory of Molly, donations to Journeycare Hospice are appreciated, and could be made via: https://journeycare.org/donate/

Molly’s interment and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please visit and share memories you may have with Molly, via her tribute page:

https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/molly-zerbe

Molly was born on June 24th, 1950 and passed away on February 27th, 2026 at the age of 75

03/05/2026

Socorro Murillo, de 89 años de edad, falleció el 26 de febrero de 2026 en Lake Forest. Socorro nació el 11 de diciembre de 1936 en Guanajuato, México. Hijo de Cristino Murillo y Vicenta Silva. Le sobreviven sus hijos y muchos nietos al igual que amistades que lo conocieron en vida.

Su velorio será el jueves 5 de marzo 2026 de 5:00pm - 9:00pm en la funeraria The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, IL 60085. Su santa misa será el viernes 6 de marzo 2026 a las 11:00 am en la Iglesia Sagrada Familia, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su sepelio sera en el Panteón Catolico Ascension, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048.

Para más información favor de llamar al, 847-623-3730.

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Socorro Murillo, 89 years old, passed away on February 26, 2026 in Lake Forest. Socorro was born on December 11, 1936 in Guanajuato, Mexico. The son of Cristino Murillo and Vicenta Silva. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and many life long friends.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, IL 60085. His funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. His interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. For more information, please call 847-623-3730.

Socorro was born on December 11th, 1936 and passed away on February 26th, 2026 at the age of 89

03/05/2026

Ma. Socorro de la Cruz de Flores, 84 years old, passed away on February 25, 2026. Maria was born in San Gaspar, Jalisco, Mexico, on October 26, 1941; daughter of José de la Cruz and Juana Gomez. Maria was a hardworking and dedicated mother. She was the pillar of the family, always attentive to everyone’s needs and present in all their lives. Her children, grandchildren, and entire family longed to come home to her. She would greet them with a hot meal, freshly baked cookies, and of course, her pot of coffee. She was always cheerful, singing at Sunday mass, planting vegetables in her garden, or dancing—she always kept busy. With the heart of a child, Maria loved going to Wisconsin and shopping with the family. Her cheerful nature, creativity, love for things that may have seemed simple, and her strength will be missed dearly. Maria fought for eight years with dialysis, but she never gave up until her last day.

She is survived by her nine children: Antonio, Dolores, Jesus, Maria G., Gabriela, Lorena, Ana, Delia, and David Jr.; her siblings: José Guadalupe, Jesus, Alfredo, Candelaria, Gerardo, and Hermina; her sons-in-law: Frank, Mike, Andres, and Heriberto; her daughters-in-law Daisy and Lupita; 27 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; extended family; and many friends. She is now in eternal peace beside her beloved husband, David Flores (April 2024).

Our deepest condolences to her entire family. Her visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Her funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Dismas Church, 2600 Sunset Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60087. Her burial will take place at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. Donations towards her funeral expenses are kindly appreciated and can be made via: https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/maria-de-la-cruz-de-flores/guestpayment

Services for Ma. Socorro will be livestreamed, to view the livestream or to pre-register, please click the link below:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b06aa715-ef5d-41a8-abbe-108c86a7405f

For more information, please call 847-623-3730.

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Ma. Socorro de la Cruz de Flores, 84 años de edad, llegó al descanso eterno el 25 de febrero 2026. Maria nació en San Gaspar, Jalisco, México, el 26 de octubre de 1941; hija de José de la Cruz y Juana Gomez. Maria fue una madre luchadora, dedicada y orgullosa de su esfuerzo en su trabajo. Ella fue el pilar de la familia, siempre al tanto de todos, y presente en todas sus vidas. Sus hijos, nietos y familia entera anhelaban llegar a casa con ella. Los recibía con una comida caliente, galletas recién hechas y claro que nunca faltaba su cafecito. Ella siempre fue alegre, cantando los domingos en misa, plantando vegetales en su jardín, o bailando - siempre se mantuvo ocupada en algo. Con un corazón de niña, Maria le encantaba ir a Wisconsin y de compras con la familia. Su alegre manera de ser, creatividad y amor a cosas que tal vez parecían sencillas, y su fuerza para seguir adelante se extrañará por siempre. Maria luchó por 8 años con diálisis; pero nunca se dio por vencida hasta el último día.

Le sobreviven sus 9 hijos, Antonio, Dolores, Jesus, Maria G, Gabriela, Lorena, Ana, Delia, David Jr.; sus hermanos José Guadalupe, Jesus, Alfredo, Candelaria, Gerardo y Hermina; yernos Frank, Mike, Andres y Heriberto; nueras Daisy y Lupita; 27 nietos y 13 bisnietos; familia extendida y muchas amistades. Ahora ella se encuentra en esa paz eterna al lado de su querido esposo David Flores (Abril 2024).

Nuestro más sentido pésame para toda su familia. Su velorio será el viernes 13 de marzo 2026, de 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm en la funeraria, The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su santa misa será el sábado, 14 de marzo 2026 a las 10:00 am en la Iglesia St Dismas, 2600 Sunset Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60087. Su sepelio sera en el Panteón Catolico Ascension, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. Donaciones hacia su funeral son agradecidas y pueden ser realizadas vía:
https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/maria-de-la-cruz-de-flores/guestpayment

Los servicios se transmitirán en vivo, para ver la transmisión en vivo o para preinscribirse, haga clic en el siguente enlace:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b06aa715-ef5d-41a8-abbe-108c86a7405f

Para más información favor de llamar al, 847-623-3730.

https://www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/maria-de-la-cruz-de-flores

Ma. Socorro was born on October 26th, 1941 and passed away on February 25th, 2026 at the age of 84

02/25/2026

Sometimes as we navigate grief, we can start to compare to others. This life is not a competition. Some days we have to navigate day to day, hour to hour, or even minute to minute. Please know you are not alone and we are always here for you.

02/20/2026

Meagan Monique Oliver 11/24/1989 – 2/9/2026

With deep sorrow and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Meagan Monique Oliver. Meagan will be remembered for her radiant spirit, loving heart, and the joy she brought to those around her. A free-spirited soul with endless hope for the future, Meagan lived her life with compassion, creativity, and a deep love for both people and animals. She had a natural gift with children, who were drawn to her warmth and kindness, and animals seemed to love her just as deeply as she loved them. She carried a light within her that shone through her kindness and her humor – especially in the playful moments she shared joking with her mother and siblings.

Meagan was an adept artist with a vivid imagination, expressing herself through her creativity and her passion for cooking, which she shared generously with family and friends. She was also devoted to her family, especially in helping care for her grandparents, showing patience, tenderness, and a sense of responsibility that reflected her beautiful character.

She is survived by Lourdes Harrington-Ruiz; her mother, Curtis Oliver; her father, Celia Arresola; her step mother, Leilani Dixon; her daughter, Vian Oliver and Triston Harrington; her brothers, Bianca Sinsun; her sister, Elba Ruiz; her grandmother, Miguel Ruiz (Carolyn) and Anthony Ruiz (Charlotte); her aunts and uncles, Lydia Ruiz; her aunt, aunts and uncles
Minnie Oliver, Rex Oliver, Rosie Jenkins (Vernon), Lafaye Ho**er (BJ), Mastraw Oliver, Earl Oliver Tryone Oliver (Samantha), and Leanne Oliver. Walter Gholston; her biological father, and numerous cousins and other family members. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Natividad Ruiz, in September 2025.

Meagan’s life, though far too short, was filled with love, hope, and promise. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Meagan's visitation will be held on Sunday, February 22. 2026 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Please sign our online guestbook at www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com for more information, please call, 847-623-3730.

Meagan Monique was born on November 24th, 1989 and passed away on February 10th, 2026 at the age of 36

02/20/2026

Francisco Rivas Cervantes, 84 años de edad, entró a la vida eterna el 7 de febrero de 2026. Francisco nació el 4 de octubre de 1941 en Teloloapan, Guerrero, Mexico. Francisco “Chico” tenía un don especial para hacer que la gente se sintiera bienvenida. Ya fuera a través de su sonrisa o en su sentido del humor. Encuentro alegría en las cosas simples; como bailar con su familia, ver su programa favorito “El chavo del 8” sembrar sus verduras, contar historias etc. Estos momentos, aunque ordinarios, se volvieron extraordinarios porque él estaba allí.

Su mayor orgullo era su familia, aunque nuestros corazones duelen en su ausencia, estamos eternamente agradecidas por las lecciones que nos enseñó.

Le sobreviven su esposa, Eufrocina Ciriaco; hijos Emilia Rivas, Ines Ronces-Rivas, Francisco Rivas, Carlos Rivas, Ramon Rivas, Angela Rivas; Nietos Vanesa, Charlie, Carlos E., Elizabeth, Kimet, Carlos S., Katie, Jordy, Rosemari, Brenda, Sherlin, Christopher, Juan, Jason, Jiovany, Jesse Jay, Reymundo, Norma, Jose Juan, Maricarmen, Gabriela, Jesus; familia Valentina, Miriam, y Elidia; bisnietos Annabelle, Hector, Violet, Khloe, Peyton, Kimberly, Gabriella, Carlos, Emilio, Acelin, Cynthia, Iker, Aiden, Liani, Kassandra, y Xareni.

Su velorio será el viernes, 20 de febrero 2026 de 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm en la funeraria The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su santa misa será el sábado, 21 de febrero 2026 a las 10:00 am, en la Iglesia Sagrada Familia, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su sepelio sera en el Panteón Ascension, Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. Para más información, favor de llamar al, 847-623-3730.

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Francisco Rivas Cervantes, 84 years old, passed away on February 7, 2026. Francisco was born October 4, 1941 in Teloloapan, Guerrero, Mexico. Francisco “Chico” had a welcoming spirit. He had a great sense of humor and an affectionate smile. He found happiness in the simple things in life; dancing, watching his favorite show “El Chavo del 8” , planting vegetables, sharing his stories etc. Though these moments seem ordinary to him, they were extraordinary.

He was very proud of his family, though our hearts are sore without him; we are grateful for the life lessons he taught us.

He is survived by his Wife, Eufrocina Ciriaco; Children Emilia Rivas, Ines Ronces-Rivas, Francisco Rivas, Carlos Rivas, Ramon Rivas, Angela Rivas; Grandchildren, Vanesa, Charlie, Carlos E., Elizabeth, Kimet, Carlos S., Katie, Jordy, Rosemari, Brenda, Sherlin, Christopher, Juan, Jason, Jiovany, Jesse Jay, Reymundo, Norma, Jose Juan, Maricarmen, Gabriela, Jesus; familia Valentina, Miriam, y Elidia; Great-grandchildren Annabelle, Hector, Violet, Khloe, Peyton, Kimberly, Gabriella, Carlos, Emilio, Acelin, Cynthia, Iker, Aiden, Liani, Kassandra, and Xareni.

His visitation will be February 20th, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Holy Family Church, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. The burial will be at Ascension, Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. For more information, please call 847-623-3730.

Francisco was born on October 4th, 1941 and passed away on February 7th, 2026 at the age of 84