Jean E. Lage

Jean E. Lage, 78, of Machesney Park passed away March 7, 2025. She was born on November 26, 1946 in Rockford, the daughter of Phillys and Loleta (Slayton) Burke. Jean worked at Sam's Ristorante for 23 years and John S. Barnes for 15 years. She enjoyed cross-stitch and gardening.  She looked forward to Christmas cookie baking and teaching the grandkids the tradition passed on from her mother and great-aunt.  They gave her the skills for many types of baking and it was her passion.  Jean was a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother and most of all she loved her time spent with her family. Jean loved all of her cats and adopted them with love from the Winnebago County Humane Society. 

Survivors include her children, Cira Burke and Steve (Cheryll) Tallyn; grandchildren, Justin (Jennifer)  Pluff, Miranda (Eric) Redmond, Emma Tallyn, and Sam Tallyn; great-grandchildren, Mataya Pluff, Amara and Gianna Redmond; sister, Sonya Henery, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her her parents; step-father, Lyle Severing; brother, Phillip H. Burke; sisters, Virginia Snyder and Lois James.

Service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 28, 2025 in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park. Visitation will be Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, please considering making a donation to the Winnebago County Humane Society in honor of Jean. 

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