Rhonda Cermak

Rhonda Lee Cermak was surrounded by family when she joined the love of her life on Thursday,  May 26, 2022. She was born in Oak Park, Illinois on April 18,1954, and  had lived in her Brookfield (Hollywood) home since she was five years old.

After graduating from Riverside Brookfield High School she thoroughly enjoyed her employment at Frank Buresh’s Lobster House. There she held several positions and made many lifelong friends. Upon receiving her RN, she passionately cared for our veterans as an ER nurse at Hines Veterans’ Hospital. She also spoke often of the wonderful friends she had made during her years at Hines.

Rhonda was artistically talented and was always able to add charm and beauty  to anything plain and ordinary. Her talent eventually became an avocation and she, with her loyal and good   friend Mary Movrich, designed and sold exquisite glass creations.

Rhonda had a heart of gold and continually found ways to help others, seldom thinking of herself.  Her family meant the world to her,  and her step daughter, Lisa, and grandson, Donavan, held a very special place in her heart. Donavan will forever remember that his grandma always had an activity planned for them to do together whenever he came to visit.

Rhonda’s  love for her nieces and nephews rivaled that of any grandparent.  She eagerly embraced and celebrated every event or accomplishment in their lives. She was a loving and devoted sister and sister in law, who we talked to nearly every day, always conscious of her interest, concern, and love for us.

Rhonda dearly loved and kept an incredibly close bond with her high school girl friends. She often spoke of  their fun times together and was so very grateful for all of the  concern and kindness they showed her during her long illness.

By far, most important in her life, was her husband and best friend, John Cisneros, who passed away eight months ago, after 30 wonderful years together. Their love for each other was  beautiful and unconditional. It’s magic resonated through our entire family.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Emily and  Dennis Cermak. Those who will never forget her thoughtfulness and generosity are her siblings, Denise Kendrick (David), Jeffrey Cermak (Donna); step daughter Lisa Ladendorf (Keith) and grandson Donavan; nieces, Jacquelyn Humphreys (Adam), Jamie Cermak (Matthew); nephews Mark Kendrick (Leslie), and Ryan Cermak.

For anyone considering making a donation in her memory, in lieu of flowers, an animal shelter would be her fervent wish.