12/22/2025
Elsie Darlene Lund, age 86, of Glendale Heights, passed away December 19, 2025.
Elsie passed away leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, intelligence, and quiet strength. Her life was guided by a deep desire to help others and to make the world better in whatever ways she could, often putting the needs of others before her own.
Earlier in her life, Elsie served as a Franciscan nun for eight years in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, an experience that reflected her strong spiritual foundation and commitment to service. She was soft-spoken yet firm, especially with her students, always holding them to high standards because she believed in their potential. Elsie wanted to give her students advantages she herself did not have growing up and consistently went above and beyond to help them succeed.
Determined and hardworking, Elsie put herself through school while working as a maid, dishwasher, and in other jobs to fund her education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in School Administration, and a Doctor of Spiritual Studies. Despite these accomplishments, she remained humble and private, rarely speaking about her achievements.
Elsie devoted her professional life to education. She taught primarily elementary grades, as well as some high school, and spent four years teaching English in Puerto Rico, helping students communicate in a bilingual community. She also taught in Chicago and Wilmington, Delaware. During summers, she continued working and volunteered her time to help students who were falling behind. She also completed coursework in Teaching English as a Second Language through the New Castle School District, further expanding her ability to help others advance.
In addition to her teaching career, Elsie volunteered to read to individuals who might otherwise be alone at Manor Care in Delaware. She donated generously to causes she believed in, including multiple sclerosis organizations, animal welfare groups, and selected political causes she felt could bring positive change.
Elsie attended DePaul University in Chicago, Delaware Community College, and the Awakened Heart Spiritual Center. She also shared her knowledge as a computer teacher at the Walnut Street YMCA in Delaware.
Her compassion extended to animals as well. She lovingly took in a one-eyed stray dog named Jolly, giving him a safe and caring home, and also rescued a stray cat. At one point, she even kept chickens as pets, caring for them with the same tenderness she showed all living beings.
Elsie found peace in meditation and was especially fond of the teachings of Eknath Easwaran. She loved nature, honesty, and quiet moments spent in bookstores, often enjoying tea while reading about people and education in an effort to better understand others and their lives.
She also enjoyed simple pleasures, including a good meal with a glass of wine, cheesecake, Wendy’s chili, ice cream, and algebra, which she practiced on her own to keep her skills sharp. Some of her favorite outings included visits to Barnes & Noble and the Cheesecake Factory.
Elsie is preceded in death by her sisters Jean Rausch (Chuck) and Carol Kuffel (Michael).
She is survived by her brother Eddie Lund; brother Michael Espinosa (Cindy); sister Juanita Espinosa; nieces and nephews Valerie Grant (David), Natalie and Jeffrey Lund, Michael Espinosa (Trish), Jennifer Espinosa, Nicolas Espinosa, Noelle Karnes (Duane), Deborah Davis, Donna Heraty (Craig), and Sheri (Dan). She is also survived by 14 great-nieces and nephews, 17 great-great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great-great nephew, Lawrence.
Elsie loved her family deeply and helped them succeed just as she did countless others who were less privileged. Her main goal in life was to make life better for others, and she fulfilled that goal through compassion, service, and unwavering generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28th, from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Bucaro Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 485 W Army Trail Rd. Bloomingdale.
On Monday, December 29th, there will be a short chapel service at 10:00 AM, at Maryhill Cemetery, 8600 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles.
Please visit www.bucarofuneralhome.com or call 630-242-4700 for more information.
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