Audrey Ongman

Audrey Ongman, resident of Homewood for 60 years and formerly of Chicago, beloved wife of Edward Earl Ongman who predeceased her on April 17, 1974; Mother of Audrey Jean Lewis of Flossmoor (predeceased 1999), Edward Earl Ongman Jr (Holly)  of Discovery Bay, CA, Lynn Whalen (Mare Potts) of Catawba, South Carolina, David McLean Ongman (Patti) of Boston, MA and Kirk Ongman (Teri) of Homewood; passed away at home surrounded by family and loved ones from complications due to Alzheimers.

Audrey was born in Chicago to Alexander and Helen (Ballentine) McLean on March 28, 1927.   Sister of Helen May Lawler (predeceased 2018) of Flossmoor and brother Harry McLean (predeceased 2023) of Frankfort.  She is survived by and blessed with fourteen grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren all over the country,

Audrey was a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools until she became a counselor and after 3 decades of service retired in 1987 at the age of 60 as the Director of Career Service Personnel.

She was a member of St. Paul Community Church in Homewood from 1968 until 1987 serving in numerous teaching and Board duties and when she retired, she went "home" to the Episcopal Church as a member and servant of the Parish of St John the Evangelist in Flossmoor IL.  There she attended with her sister May Lawler, continued her studies at Chicago Thealogic Seminary, shared her studies in numerous adult education courses and served as Junior Warden and Senior Warden until she "retired" again.

In retirement from Chicago Public Schools, she was able to travel the world with friends and family, enjoy golf and bridge into her 80's and most of all be a grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her wit and wisdom will be missed.   She was a trusting friend and counselor of many and in our hearts will always be what the signoff of correspondence was for the last 30 yrs:  "Mom, Gram O. and always Audrey".

There will be a visitation on Friday, September 20 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Tews and Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood IL.   Her interment will be private with the family.