Lucy Wellman

Lucy Wellman was born Lucille Jean Johnson on September 21, 1947. As a child, she and her siblings spent some time out of state, however, she always claimed Chicago to be home. Growing up near 35th and Pulaski, she developed a life-long love for the Chicago White Sox. She and her 9 siblings (Emerson, Judy, Shirley, John, Dennis, Carlene, Janice, Joe, and especially her recently departed sister Dorothy) were a team greater (and more mischievous) than any White Sox line-up.

She worked many different jobs throughout her life – including over 25 years in the insurance industry. One of her earliest jobs was as a waitress at the La Dolce Vita tavern in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. There she not only met the tavern’s owner, she met her future husband, Richard Wellman. The two would marry in December 1971, and would raise a blended family of seven boys. Lucy and Richard settled in Glen Ellyn where they raised their family and would retire in near-by Wheaton. The two would remain married for 39 years until Richard’s death in January 2011.

Lucy was a tough gal. She needed to be tough to raise seven independent boys, whom were her entire life. She taught them life skills – like cooking, cleaning, and independence – and she set an example of how to lead a life knowing the difference between right and wrong. When one of her boys would step out of line or get into trouble, she always impressed them with her knowledge of The Law. Her swift use of The Law would encourage immediate change of action…until the next time and her knowledge of The Law would come out again.

Lucy also had one of the most generous and loving hearts. When Lucy owned her own insurance agency, she would be extraordinarily empathetic toward clients and their situation. She showed her love for others by giving handmade gifts, cleaning up their house, or cooking meals for them – especially her famous stuffed green peppers or baked mostaccioli. The most important way she showed how she loved the people in her life was to show up to important events in their lives. She would attend her children’s concerts, weddings, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling, and football meets, and eventually the events of her grandchildren. Her greatest resource was her time, and she gave it willingly and without condition or complaint. She would sit at these events with a smile on her face and a heart full of pride.

Lucy was a woman that loved all the facets of life. She loved music – raising her boys on the sounds of Motown and Aretha Franklin, while dancing through the house. She loved romantic films and storylines. She had a deep love and faith in God, praying and praising God constantly. Lucy rejoiced whenever her family came together for the chaos of the holidays. Lucy loved the time she was able to spend with friends and family. Lucy loved.

After a series of medical setbacks, Lucy transitioned from this life to new life on December 23, 2022. She was surrounded by family and peacefully made her transition. Loving Wife of The Late Richard P. Wellman. Lucy is The Loving Mom of Richard (Sheri), Tim (Stacy) Bronzino, David (Tootsie) , Alan (Alphonzo), Andrew (Jackie), and Dennis (Sonia) Wellman and The Late Michael; She loved her 24 grandchildren; April, Michael(Ashley), Kelli Jo, Cristina, Patricia, Paul, Anthony, Jessica(Robby), Olivia, Melissa, Mike, Alessandra(Darrin), Angelo(Lexi), Adamo, Emily, Matthew, Pressley, Jaiden, Sophia, Gray, Alaya, Richie, Aiden and The Late Nicole; and many great-grandchildren with all her heart. Her youngest grandsons, Richie and Aiden, were blessed to spend the last two months with their beloved Mema. Lucy is also survived by her brother Emerson Potter and baby sister Janice Abrahamian, and countless nieces and nephews.

Lucy will be deeply missed by all.