Juanita Kay Welch nee Shelton peacefully passed away Saturday Feb 22 at L’Auberge in Naperville surrounded by family and friends. To call Juanita a force of nature is an understatement. She lived her life fiercely, compassionately, and fearlessly. Born June 24, 1942 in Chicago IL. to Hubert Shelton and Leona (nee Rodak) she grew up in Chicago marrying John Welch in 1962 and moving to West Chicago. There she raised 3 children while taking classes in psychology and earning a degree.
Juanita became the Director of Day treatment services at Ecker Center for Mental Health (formerly Fox Valley Mental Health Center) in Elgin IL. There she ran groups for individuals with a serious mental illness and fought for their rights, eventually being awarded the Bell award (a national award for work in Mental Health) presented to her by Rosalyn Carter.
After leaving Ecker Center for Mental Health, she went on to work for The Association for Individual Development (AID) in their group services program. Again, she advocated for those with a chronic mental illness and was beloved by the clients there. Juanita left AID to spend more time with her family, specifically, watching over her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Much to the delight of her family and friends she enjoyed cooking and could always be found in her garden any time the weather permitted. She had a sharp wit and a keen mind.
She was proceeded in death by her husband John Welch, brother John Gaglione, and sister Patricia Kopchik (nee Green).
She is survived by 3 children; John (Connie), Brian (Lisa), and daughter Kelly (CJ) Madden. In addition, she leaves behind 8 grandchildren; Sean, Bethany (Nathan), Ashley, Corey (Monica), Genevieve (Doug), Raychel (Jon), Nikki (David), Phelan (Trey), and 12 great grandchildren; Isabel, Mauricio, Jaxon, Everly, Della, Evan, Rhiyana, Teliylah, Zaedyn, Willow, Ruby, and Shay.
A memorial service will be held at a different date. In lieu of flowers please send donations in her name to NAMI Kane County North.
