Mabel "Mae" Allan Goeldner

Mabel Allan Goeldner, affectionately known as “Mae” to her friends and “Nana” to her large family, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at home, surrounded by family. Born in Lake Forest, Illinois to the late Thomas W. Allan and Olive May Allan (nee Hope), she lived her entire 99 years in that community. Mae knew her husband, Paul Goeldner, since the sixth grade. It wasn’t until he returned home after serving in World War II that they began dating and eventually married. Over the course of their 64-year marriage, they had five children, countless friends, and many memorable trips before he passed away in 2010. She was an amazing mother and source of strength and wisdom to her children: Paula H. Holderman (Hon. James), Kirk Allan Goeldner (Jane), Barbara Goeldner Clayton, Lise Hope Martin (Andy), and Amy Goeldner Howes. She offered the same steadfast wisdom and guidance as the beloved grandmother of fourteen and adored great grandmother of ten. In addition to raising five children, Mae served as the Secretary of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce for over ten years and bookkeeper for Robertson's Men’s Store in Lake Forest. She was the Financial Secretary and longtime volunteer at The Church of the Holy Spirit, where she was also a beloved and lifelong parishioner. Her many interests and hobbies kept her active and engaged throughout her life. An avid golfer and fan of the Deerpath Golf Course, she played into her 90’s and had a hole-in-one at her favorite course in Fairfield Glade, TN. Through the years, she was part of many bridge groups and enjoyed playing with friends up until just two weeks before her death. She enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs on TV and seeing the Chicago Bears play as season ticket holders for many decades. She was especially thrilled to witness the Bears win the Superbowl in person in New Orleans in 1986. You could often find her at the Lake Forest Library, working in her yard or doing her daily crossword puzzle. Mae was well-known for her kindness, warm and welcoming presence, and her wonderful sense of humor. Family and friends were the cornerstone of her life. She loved each and every one of her ever-growing family and would drop everything to help her children, grandchildren, or friends. As many have shared, “to know her was to love her.” Mae is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two nephews and her daughter’s beloved lab, Otto. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Goeldner, and her brother Thomas W. Allan. Her family wishes to warmly thank the wonderful staff at The Sheridan Green Oaks for their care and attention to her during the last years of her life. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E. Westminster, Lake Forest. The family will host a Celebration of Mae’s Life on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mabel’s name may be made to Mission & Outreach at The Church of the Holy Spirt at https://www.chslf.org/offertory or Mother’s Trust Foundation at https://motherstrustfoundation.org/donate/ Funeral arrangements entrusted to Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors at (847) 234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com

Mabel "Mae" Allan Goeldner

January 24, 1926 - September 10, 2025