I was so sorry to hear about Miriam! She was a wonderful friend and neighbor on Hawthorne Street. We had so many nice conversations over the years. She talked a lot about growing up on Hawthorne and her childhood years. She had a special place in her heart for her mother and shared happy memories about her mother as a teacher and the fun things she used to do with her siblings. Miriam also had such a love for animals, especially cats and dogs. Her cat was so precious to her. She loved when I’d walk my dogs over to see her and to hear stories about my 3 dogs and all their antics. She and I both enjoyed the Peanuts comic strip characters and she would sometimes text me Peanuts holiday greetings.

What I will remember most about Miriam was her kind and caring heart. She always had a kind word for everyone and didn’t ask for much in return. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life liking sitting on her porch and watching the kids in the neighborhood play. She was always so sweet with my boys when they would come over to say hi, bring in her trash cans or shovel her stairs.

I so wish that Miriam’s health had been better over the years. I know that every day was a struggle for her, but she didn’t complain and always had a smile on her face. I felt like she got a fresh start in her new apartment and seemed very happy there. I did not know about her accident last year. I had not talked to her for a while. I was so sorry to hear about it. I wish I had been there for her during that difficult time.

I know that right now Miriam is up in heaven in her mother’s arms, surrounded by cats and dogs and all of God’s creatures that she loves. I picture her in a beautiful field of flowers and able to run on her legs that have been made new, and she feels no pain. I will pray for her, everyone in the Wilson family, and her friends that miss her:) God bless!

The Wilson family, including Miriam, lived 1 house from me, so we grew up together on Hawthorne Avenue in Elmhurst. In the “early days” there was an empty lot between our houses, so there were lots of games of Kick the Can, Hide & Seek and baseball in the lot. It was a challenge for the mail delivery because Mimi and the rest of the Wilsons lived at 588 Hawthorne, and another Wilson family (mine) lived one lot away at 598 Hawthorne. May Miriam rest in peace. With affection, Nancy Wilson

I knew Miriam only as Mimi and for a short time through a mutual friend. She was a warm hearted and friendly person. We had a lot to talk about whenever I saw her. The first Christmas I knew her she sent me a card and signed it Miriam, but I had no idea who that was! When I finally realized it, I told her and we had such a good laugh!! I will remember her fondly.
My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. May she Rest In Peace with the Lord.

Miriam was a good person. We was good company. We had a lot of good times with her. I even adopted her as my Aunt. I will miss her.

I knew Miriam for a long time. She was a good person. We used to have a good time with her. I even adopted her as my Aunt. I will miss her.

We will miss you Miriam. We had a lot of laughs and great times together
She even called my mom,mom. She spent a lot of holidays with us
She always had a smile on her face. So sorry we lost touch.
Sorry to the family that lost such a great person.
We will miss you, Miram
Love Sue Atkinson
And Dorothy Reilly

…mimi mimi mimi what can i say. From going to the mall almost every sat in junior high and hihh school all the parties good and bad..to adventures at the zoo beatlefests.. green acres working at the ua cinema together all the times we jammed to music up stairs on berkely.. the concerts we went to.getting John Belushi’s autograph on the back of my birth certificate at 2 am on wells st in chicago… you were there for me when my dad died and road with us in the family car..to hiding Easter eggs for you when i moved back and was living in lombard. Having you and your mom over for the holidays.
You were family. You came in and out of my life many times with no explaination. I never asked why. I was always glad to have you back in my life. I had been trying this last time for you to come back again. I had emailed you as recently as Oct 1st. But you didn’t answer me. I would have tried again. We used to laugh so much. I will miss that with you. I always thought you would drop back in and we would still laugh into our 80s together and maybe you would forget to leave again. You left your mark. Love you.
My friend.

I would like to hear from Fran if any of Miriam’s family can give her my contact info.
630 408 6694
Mary Finlayson

Our families lived on Hawthorne together. We all grew up on that street. I remember many good times playing outside and inside our houses as kids. Mimi May you rest in peace.