Rev. Rebecca Lei Alcorn

Rev. Rebecca Alcorn was born July 9, 1969 in Joliet, IL. She passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 53 on April 27, 2023 at the University of Chicago Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. 

Rebecca attended Lockport Township High School where she participated in AFJROTC. She also was a proud Joliet Firebird. She earned her Associate’s Degree at Joliet Junior College. Rebecca was a jill of all trades. She was a gifted crafter and artist. She excelled at embroidery and crochet. Throughout her life, she held many titles including EMT, photographer, bus driver, reverend, artesian, and more. She held a black belt in judo, donated 1000s of handcrafted crocheted hats to local hospitals, advocated for children with special needs and the disabled, lived overseas, enjoyed writing and creating, and helped countless people throughout her life. Her greatest accomplishment she would say, was as a mother and grandmother to her 3 children and 6 grandchildren. She also adored her pet cats that she cared for over the years with her fiancé, Steve. They all held a very special place in her heart. She was very proud and had a love for life and family. She fought courageously against health ailments throughout her years on this earth. Her ability to love will be forever engrained in all who knew her. Her impact will be felt by her family and friends for a lifetime. She will leave an unfillable gap in the hearts of many. May she rest in heaven and peace. 

Rebecca was preceded in death by her mother, Diana Hickman; father, Robert D. Waddell; step-father, John L. Hickman; brother, Robert G. Waddell; step-brother, Jeffrey (Earlisha) Hickman, Alan (Moe) Hickman; grandmothers: Diamond Powell and Hannah Waddell; grandfathers: Grail Powell and Edward Waddell and uncles, Phillip Dawes, Danny Buchanan, Wayne (Marsha) Mueller. 

Rebecca is survived by her fiancé, Steve Lelak; children from a previous marriage, LaKeshia (Jacob) Stigall, Krista (Michael) Kijanowski, Mi’chelle (Thomas) Creek; grandchildren, Alexandria Stigall, Lillian Stigall, Oliver Stigall, and three other grandchildren (Izzy, Frankie, H); siblings: Jessica Hatcher, David Waddell, Terrance (Mary) Waddell, and Rachel (Christopher) Watson; step-siblings: James Leon (Sandee) Hickman, Herbert (Sharon) Hickman, Keith (Cassandra) Hickman, Robert Hickman, Sandra Hickman, Shirley-Smith Hickman; aunts: Sandra Dawes, Luann Buchanan, Carolyn Turley, Marsha Mueller; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, & friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 5, 2023 with visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 P.M. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. Cremation fill follow in accordance with the families wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Naws Animal Shelter in Mokena. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.