Colette M. Simak

Colette M. Simak, 65, of Wheaton, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026. Born February 24, 1961, the youngest daughter of Albert and Dolores Trendel of Schaumburg, she is preceded in death by her parents, sister Linda Fuscone, brother Thomas Trendel, and nephew Christopher Deener.

A loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and dear friend to many, Colette is survived by her husband Wayne (married October 4, 1986), her sons Stephen (Kristina) and Mark, grandsons Jonathan and James Simak, her sisters Carol (Kent) Deener, Susan (Paul) Grauer, Judy (Louis) Verhoog, Claudia (Don) Schwind, Christine (Tom) Palmer, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Growing up with her triplet sisters, she held many jobs, was a State Champion Field Hockey player at Schaumburg High School, and graduated from Elmhurst College, before she embarked upon a long professional career in Information Technology. She was selfless and always worked to make others feel welcome, heard, and supported. She regularly opened her home for large family gatherings, opened her heart to anyone in need, and donated her time through acts of service and raising her grandchildren. In her later years, she became an avid gardener, an enthusiastic bird watcher, explored new hobbies, and developed new skills. She volunteered with many organizations over the years, including: Heroes with Hearts, Operation North Pole, People's Resource Center, Soup Kettle Ministry, and St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church of Wheaton.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 6 from 3pm-9pm at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle (¾ mile west of Bloomingdale/Roselle Road).

Memorial Mass will begin at 11am on Tuesday, September 8 at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church, 101 W. Loop Rd., Wheaton. Immediately following, a celebration of life luncheon will be held at the Abbington, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn (Route 53 & Butterfield Rd.).

Internment at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine will be private.

To help us honor Colette and in lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Soup Kettle Ministry at the First United Methodist Church Elgin,  at https://www.fumcelgin.org/give