Mildred B. Lestina

COAL CITY—Mildred B. Lestina, age 76, of Coal City, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Born Jan. 27, 1941 in Braidwood, Mildred Bessie was a daughter of John James and Mildred Louise (Dite) Lestina. She was raised in Braidwood until moving to Coal City with her family in the spring of 1954.
Mildred worked at the Rialto Cinema in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to earn her Associates degree from Joliet Junior College and started teaching in Mokena, where she would work for the following 20 years.
She initially taught 3rd grade for nine years, until she was hired as one of the first special education teachers in the state for the following 11 years. Mildred obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Teaching from Illinois State University and her Master’s degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University. It was not unusual during her tenure as a teacher for her to call in sick to attend the Chicago Cubs season opener with her sisters.
After retiring from teaching, Mildred went on to gain employment with LaSalle Nuclear Station, where she worked as an armed nuclear security officer for 25 years until her retirement.
She was an avid gardener, and adventurer who enjoyed white water rafting. Mildred loved to travel, and was proud to have toured throughout the country visiting all 50 states, as well as Canada and the Caribbean.  Music was always important throughout her life, and she played the clarinet, as well as with the Lestina Family Polka Band. She was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, and could often be found listening to the games on the radio.
Mildred was a long time parishioner of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City, and will be missed by many, including her beloved pets.
Survivors include her one brother Frank (Sandra) Lestina of Coal City; three sisters: Phillis Dalton of Joliet and Dorothy Lestina and Janette Lestina, both of Coal City; aunts and uncles: George Lestina of Braidwood, Laura Lestina of Wilmington, Lorraine Hansen of Morris, Raymond (Lila) Dite of Morris and Richard (Melva) Dite of Mountain Home, Arkansas; (15) nieces and nephews; (22) great nieces and nephews; one great-great niece and one great-great nephew, as well as numerous cousins.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; one brother John Louis “Jackie” Lestina, one sister Linda (Ray) Jacque, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Saturday August 12, 2017 at Assumption Parish - Berst Center, 150 South Kankakee Street in Coal City from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen officiating.
Burial will be in Bohemian National Cemetery in Braidwood, where Mildred will be laid to rest with her parents and brother.
Pallbearers will be: Frank Lestina, Jr., John Lestina, Richard Jett, Craig Jett, Kristian Maskel and Justin Maskel.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mildred’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Mildred’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.