Susan (Cech) Meyers of Oak Park died peacefully at home of complications from ALS on May 15, 2015, with her loving husband of 52 years, Harry (Bud) Meyers, by her side. Although ALS slowly, agonizingly eroded her physical capabilities over the nearly six years she valiantly fought the disease, her mind never lost its sharpness nor her spirit its buoyancy. A core of supportive and thoughtful caregivers helped see her through.
Born in Oak Park on Oct. 21, 1939, she was raised in LaGrange by Joseph and Florence Cech. She attended Lyons Township High School, 1953-57, and was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison, from which she received a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1961. Following graduation, she worked for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in Washington, DC, and at the U.S. Navy Finance Center in Cleveland before returning with her family to the Chicago area in 1966.
For the last 17 years, Ms. Meyers called Oak Park home. As a lifelong student of urban architecture, she relished the proximity to Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings and architecture resources in the Oak Park area, and she regularly volunteered for Wright Plus housewalks. She also loved the easy access to the wide spectrum of music, arts and performances that Chicago and its neighborhoods offer, especially Goodman Theater, Jazz Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park.
Prior to Oak Park, she spent 25 years in Downers Grove, raising two sons and handling the administrative assistant duties for her self-employed husband’s professional consulting business. An active volunteer with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), including serving on the organization’s Illinois Board of Directors, she also served on the Downers Grove Public Library board and was an active volunteer with the PTA at Hillcrest School.
Always ready with a smile, a laugh, a keen observation or recall, she was loved and will be missed by many.
Susan Meyers is survived by her husband; her son, Kerby Meyers; her three grandchildren; and her brother, Joseph Cech. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Bryan Meyers.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association of Greater Chicago or SEASPAR of Downers Grove.
