May Rose (Bechel) Bill

May Rose Bill, 101, longtime resident of Forest Park, died peacefully in her sleep in her first and last home on April 3rd, 2022.
She was a loving mother to her only child, Janet May Fink. She was a beloved grandmother, affectionately called Gaga by Jill May Smentek and Cory Robert Fink (Angela). Gaga was loved by three great
grandchildren, Hannah Fink, 19, Tyler Fink 16, and Kolton Smentek, 13.

She was married to the late Robert Bill, a native of Forest Park, for 57 years. They met at 16 and were high school sweethearts from rival schools. May is a graduate of Oak Park High School and Bob was a graduate of Proviso East. May and Bob enjoyed traveling and gardening together. May retired from Marshall Fields where she worked 20 years at the State Street store. She assisted many Chicago celebrities through the years. Her civic interests included the VFW Women’s Auxiliary as a lifetime member, the Eagles as a lifetime member, and President of the Women’s Club of Forest Park. She served on the Library Board of Forest Park for 25 years. Her hobbies included, gourmet cooking, sewing, tennis, and on bowling teams at Circle Lanes.

May was the grand matriarch of the 600 Block of Beloit Avenue. She loved her neighbors and participated in block parties and other events. Her neighborhood affectionately called her the punch lady. She was thrilled to have had a parade in her honor on her 100th birthday.  Over 100 people attended and marched in the parade. An old fire engine led the parade followed by a flag truck from the VFW. Speeches were given by John Rice, columnist for the Forest Park Review, the honorable Mayor Rory Hoskins, and her daughter Janet Fink.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to St Johns Church of Forest
Park, Assisi Animal Foundation of Crystal Lake, and Cause for Paws of
Bryon, Illinois.

There’s another star in heaven tonight

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