Audrey Jean Peceniak

Audrey Jean Peceniak, (née Soley), age 80, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, following her courageous battle with terminal cancer. Born in Joliet, Illinois, Audrey lived a life centered on love, devotion, and family. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering commitment to those she loved, and the countless memories she created with family and friends throughout her life.

Audrey was a proud graduate of Joliet Township High School, Class of 1964. She spent her early adult years in Crest Hill, Illinois, where she enjoyed summer weekends boating on the lake with her family. A dedicated healthcare professional, Audrey worked as a medical phlebotomist for 21 years, serving others through her work and caring nature. She was also a faithful member of St. Ann Church in Channahon.

Above all else, Audrey treasured her family. She was the loving and devoted wife of Richard “Rit” Peceniak, with whom she shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a lifetime of memories, adventures, and enduring love. In her later years, Audrey and Rit enjoyed traveling the country by RV and motorcycle, embracing the freedom of the open road and the joy of experiencing new places together. At home, she found pleasure in working on puzzles and collecting purses and shoes—simple joys that reflected her own unique personality.

To her grandchildren, Audrey was affectionately known as “Nonie,” an actively engaged grandmother who put her family above everything and played an instrumental role in helping raise her grandchildren. Her love was present in the everyday moments, in the care she gave so freely, and in the memories she created that will remain treasured for generations. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest blessings, and her influence will continue to live on through them.

Audrey is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Richard “Rit” Peceniak; her loving daughter, Nancy Lynn (Chris) Bebar; and her four cherished grandsons, Christopher Richard (Robin Wolfe), Jacob Patrick, Matthew Joshua, and Zachary Hunter. She was the proud great-grandmother of Colton Fischer and Blaze Christopher Bebar.

She is also survived by her sister, Maryann Kulik; sister-in-law Bonnie Soley; sister-in-law Judy (Ed) Kipilla; brother-in-law Mike (Judy) Peceniak; nephews David Kulik, Aaron Soley, and Tim Soley; nieces Rachel Uqdah and Renea Kipilla; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Audrey also leaves behind her lifelong best friend, MaryJo Mott, whose friendship was a cherished part of her life.

Audrey is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved son, Navy Petty Officer Third Class Richard Jr. “Richy” Peceniak, who passed away in 1988. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Alex J. and Mary R. Soley; her parents-in-law, Irene and Michael Peceniak; her brother, Alex Soley Jr.; and her nephew, Michael Kipilla.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Silver Cross Hospital, Unit 6-3, and Lightways Hospice for the kindness, dignity, and care they provided Audrey during her final weeks. Their support brought comfort to Audrey and her loved ones during a difficult time.

Audrey Jean Peceniak will be remembered always as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud “Nonie,” loyal friend, and a woman whose heart belonged to her family. While she will be profoundly missed, the love she gave so freely will never fade.

Forever loved, forever cherished, and forever our Nonie.

A celebration of Audrey’s life will be held with visitation on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL.

Family and friends are invited back to the funeral home on Saturday, October 24, 2026 for visitation from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. before departing in procession for a Mass of Christian burial at St Ann Catholic Church, 4500 S Navajo Dr, Channahon, IL with burial to follow at St Mary Nativity Cemetery, Caton Farm Rd &, Oakland Ave, Crest Hill, IL