Yones May (Rabattini) Lawler

Yones May Lawler

lifelong resident of Highwood, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at her home surrounded by remarkably and unusually sober family members.   Born May 16, 1936, Yones lived a vibrant 85 years with no regrets (except for the things she regretted).  She was born to Osvaldo and Mary (Lenzini) Rabattini and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1954.

On October 27, 1956 she married Bill Lawler, and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.  A more committed union, nor a more stable, laugh-filled household would be hard to find.  Yones loved hosting the holidays and playing conductor as she led the family in the annual singing of “Eh-Cumpari”.

Yones worked as a travel agent with Pasquesi Travel, Highwood Travel and Lake Forest Travel.  She loved to travel and see the world with her life long friends.   For many years, she taught ballet at the Highwood Recreation Center. She was a member of St. James Church where she sang in the choir, pretty darn well until “life changes” set in, and as she tells us, not so much thereafter.  

Yones, the intrepid planner, did write her own, brief obituary.  The version she painstakingly prepared read "Yones died.  Party at the Lawler's".  So very fitting.  To all the friends and relatives that were blessed to share in those epic parties at 47 Western Avenue, both planned and impromptu, raise a toast to those great memories.  

Yones is survived by her husband, Bill, sons Scott (Ruth) Lawler of Lake Bluff, David (Tish) Lawler of Centennial, Colorado, Jordy (Aimee) Lawler of Lake Forest and daughter Jennifer (TJ) Sommers of Geneva, grandchildren Casey, Kerry, Jack (Liezel), Emma, Jordan, Shannon, Katie, Nick, Jono and Sarah and great grandchildren, Dominick and Mia. Her siblings included sister Nancy (late John) Arroyo of Highland Park, the late Ernest (Erika) Rabattini of Lake Bluff, the late Valentina (late Frank) Bortolotti, the late Pia (late Tonino) Fontana and late Anthony (late Betty) Rabattini.  

Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Seguin & Symonds Funeral Home, 858 Sheridan Road, Highwood, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Highwood Historical Society or The Fort Sheridan Historical Society

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