Solveig "Sue" Wales, 98, of Wheeling, Illinois, called Wheeling home for fifty-two years. She was born and raised on Runmarö, Sweden, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors. At an early age, Sue learned to appreciate nature from gardening flowers, fruit and vegetables to cross-country skiing to the schoolhouse, and spending summers swimming, sunbathing, and boating in the Baltic Sea. Beloved daughter of the late Erik and Edit Norman. Devoted wife of the late John Preston Wales. Loving mom of the late Eric (Debbie) Wales, Keith (Patti) Wales, and Jeanette (Mike) Stevens. Dear grandma "MorMor" of Danielle (Ray), Andrea (Aaron), Stuart, Courtney (Justin), Cristi (Cameron), Melanie, and Sarah. Great-grandma of Gabi, Carter, Colin, Preston, Catherine, Peyton, and Brady. Fond sister of Barbro (the late Uffe) Norman, and the late Lennart (the late Sonja). Aunt and cousin of many. A Celebration of Sue's Life will be Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. Service at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave. (2 Blocks South of Dundee Road) Wheeling, IL 60090. For funeral information, please call 847-537-6600 or visit funerals.pro to leave a condolence message or photo. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to: Hospice Support Foundation 1175 Centre Point Circle Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-294-6100 www.hospicesupportfoundation.org At the age of 21, Sue left Sweden with Count Jan Casimir Lewenhaupt and his wife, Margaretha, to begin a new life in the United States, where she worked as a nanny to their three children. They arrived through Ellis Island on November 29, 1948, and lived together in San Mateo, California. It was during this time that she began introducing herself as "Sue," as her given name, Solveig, was often mispronounced. Sue spoke fondly about Jan and Margaretha, grateful for the kindness they showed her and the way they made her feel like part of their family. She especially cherished the memories of time spent with Jan and the many guests who filled their home with laughter and joy. On one occasion Bob Hope, before he became a famous comedian, actor and entertainer, visited and enjoyed the backyard pool with Jan, the kids and Sue. An experience filled with laughter, lemonade, and cherished memories that Sue loved to retell. When her time with the Lewenhaupt family came to an end, Jan told Sue that he was determined to help her remain in the United States. Sue was in Chicago preparing to return to Sweden when she received word that a new nanny opportunity had been found for her. Chicago became her home and the place where her next chapter began. It was in Chicago that Sue met John Preston Wales. During one of her daily walks, the curious little boy she cared for insisted on stopping to peek into a service bay at a Chrysler dealership, where John happened to be working beneath a car. When the boy peeked under the vehicle, John came out to greet him and met Sue as well. Sue and John were married on November 19, 1953. In 1963, they moved into a home they built in Wheeling, Illinois, where they raised their two sons, Eric Preston, and Keith Lennart. Jeanette Mary was born two years later. Sue and John shared forty-four years of marriage until John's passing on April 18, 1997. When Jeanette reached school age, Sue returned to her work as a nanny, caring for four families, the Priesters, the Kleimans, the Miskewiczs, and the Douglases, before later choosing to care for her own grandchild, Melanie, part-time. Sue loved each of these families deeply and cared for their children as if they were her own. Sue loved to travel. She and John owned a trailer called "The Deer Fly Inn" on their land in Iola, Wisconsin. It was a getaway filled with gatherings, deer hunting stories, and lake life. There were also moments of hard work, like drilling for water by hand. It was an effort that was made successful with the help of our dear friend Sture from Stockholm, Sweden. It became a place of lasting memories and togetherness. She also enjoyed chartered bus trips with her dear friend Carmella. Sue was outgoing. She could talk with anyone. It was her openness and laughter that left lasting impressions. On occasion, strangers often became friends before the trip even ended. Sue and Carmella set off on adventures of their own, taking long car rides. During one instance and unsure of where they were, but somehow the two of them always found their way back. In the end, those misadventures became stories they laughed about again and again, turning into some of their most fun and precious memories. Sue shared many special friendships throughout her life. She spent cherished moments with her Swedish friend Gunhild at Lee Beach in Evanston which they visited often, bringing a picnic lunch. Sue and Gunhild also traveled to San Francisco in 2001, where they toured Alcatraz Island and many other sites. During that trip, Sue was able to reconnect with Jan Lewenhaupt, as she and Gunhild were nearby in San Francisco. Sue shared a close friendship with her Norwegian friend and neighbor Else, often visiting her in Forsyth, Illinois after she moved away from Wheeling. Those visits frequently included time with Dan in Decatur, Illinois where peaceful boat rides on Lake Decatur brought her a sense of home, gently reminding her of Sweden. One of her most unforgettable adventures was a trip to Hong Kong with her dear friend Mae. What began as a visit turned into an experience filled with joy, exploration, laughter, and a bond that remained strong throughout their lives. In 2014, age 86, Sue moved to The Pointe at Eastgate Assisted Living in Algonquin, Illinois, where she formed new friendships and was cared for by a devoted staff. In 2023, she moved to Bella Terra Long-Term Care in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Although the transition was difficult, she eventually understood and accepted she would be safer and better cared for around the clock. Sue loved to play BINGO and had her fair share of moments, excitingly shouting out "BINGO!", a simple pleasure that always brought her joy, a smile, and most times chocolate as the prize! Sue was lovingly known as "The Chocolate Lady." She was a "chocoholic", especially dark chocolate, and always kept a bowl on top of her dresser to share with anyone who stopped by. In fact, it became a tradition: no one was allowed to leave her room without taking a piece. Sue used to joke "a piece a day kept the doctor away!" Maybe there is some truth to that?! On December 21, 2025, Sue celebrated her 98th birthday surrounded by her family and her Bella Terra family as well. There was chocolate cake, presents were opened, and meaningful memories were made together. Sue was loved and well cared for by the caregivers and nurses at Bella Terra. The activities crew were wonderful with her, often making her laugh, and when laughter didn't come right away, they could always bring a smile to her face in time. As Sue's health declined, she was placed on hospice care. The team from St. Croix Hospice in Lombard, Illinois visited Bella Terra once a week at first, and eventually daily as her needs increased. Sue's family sincerely appreciated her care team. They supported her with kindness, dignity, and compassion, remaining near her side until the very end. Sue's family is extremely grateful for the care and comfort they all provided. Her passing on April 12 is gently reflected in Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." God Bless you mom and Godspeed! ❤️