Jodie L. Nedeau

Jodie L. Nedeau, age 65, a longtime resident of Lake Bluff, IL passed away on January 17, 2023. Jodie was born on September 3, 1957 in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated from Hamilton High School in Milwaukee in 1974 and received her B.A. from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in mathematics and psychology in 1978. In 1981 she earned her J.D. from Marquette University Law School, graduating at the top of her class. Jodie had both brains and beauty, and while putting herself through school was crowned Miss Milwaukee 1975, which is no surprise to all those familiar with her bright blue eyes and beautiful smile. Following her graduation from Marquette, Jodie began an illustrious legal career, practicing international and corporate law, culminating in a partnership at Sidley Austin, for over 30 years. Jodie was the beloved mother of Tyler (Kelsey), Tad (Julie), Ann Marie (fiancé Dylan McGoldrick), Haley, and Mia Nedeau; cherished grandmother of Henry and Etta; daughter of Jean Ervin and the late Walter Nowotny; sister of Michael and Mark (Lisa) Nowotny and former spouse to Nicholas Nedeau. Through both her children and volunteer work, Jodie was heavily involved in the communities of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest, where she forged many wonderful friendships. For many years she was a familiar face at Forest Bluff Montessori, The Winter Club and The Community Church of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, where she remained an active member of the congregation. Jodie was passionate about her volunteer work, particularly organizations that helped children, serving as a board member of Allendale and working with Kids Uganda, where she was instrumental in building a girls’ dormitory that has served hundreds of young women. When not working or spending time with her children and grandchildren, Jodie could be found taking walks through Lake Bluff and Lake Forest with her many friends or reading voraciously. She loved being at the beach, from Lake Michigan to Marco Island, and enjoying a beautiful sunny day. Her children will proudly and lovingly remember her as their staunchest advocate, and for her no-nonsense attitude and refusal to sweat the small stuff. There was no better person to have in your corner. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023 in the John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. A reception for friends and family will be held immediately following the service. For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jodie’s name may be made to the Allendale Foundation at https://allendale4kids.org/in-memory-of-board-member-jodie-nedeau/.

Jodie L. Nedeau

September 3, 1957 - January 17, 2023