Jennifer N. “Jenny” Lambert, 66, of Peoria, passed away at 11:55 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Washington Christian Village, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria. Pastor John Rothfusz of Faith Lutheran Church, where Jenny was a member, will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded. Jenny was born on October 31, 1945 in Peoria, the daughter of Robert and Edith (Grachek) Zimmerman. Her father preceded her in death. She married Garland Lambert on January 20, 1968 in Peoria. They were married for 28 years. He survives. Also surviving are her mother, Edith Thompson of Peoria; son, Nick Lambert of Peoria; daughter, Mindy (Nate) Kellenberger of Morton; sisters, Judy (Larry) Winkler of Tennessee and Joyce Zimmerman of Peoria Heights; and six grandchildren, Sydney and Mitch Lambert of Kewanee, Dillan Masching, Hunter, Tanner, Piper and soon to arrive baby girl Kellenberger, all of Morton. Jenny was a 1963 graduate of Woodruff High School. She worked as a beautician for forty years, spending most of her years of service at Bergner’s and Beau Du Monde hair salons. She had devoted customers and loved making them look beautiful. She will be remembered for the love and devotion she had for God, her family and pets. Memorial contributions may be made in Jenny’s memory to TAPS, in honor of her love for animals.
Latest Memories
| Cathy Grachek Glenn |
Cousin |
January 26, 2012 |
I always looked up to my cousin Jenny..She was a role model for me. When I was little and she was in high school, I wanted to wear my hair like her, dress like her, smile like her and be popular like her. She spent time with me and didn't treat me like an annoying little kid. She helped fix my hair, showed me some dance steps, and helped me pick out some outfits. She even let me "hang out" with her and some of her friends. As I started to grow up, I noticed even more ways that I wanted to be like Jenny. I wanted to be kind to people like Jenny always was. I wanted to be cheerful and make people feel happy like Jenny did. I wanted to be thoughtful and helpful...just like Jenny.
When Nick and Mindy were born, I saw how much Jenny loved them. She showered them with love. There was nothing more important to her than her children. She always supported them and was so proud of their accomplishments. I realized that Jenny was the type of mother that someday I wanted to try to be.
Jenny loved and was loved by all of her family members. She was the one everyone wanted to sit nex to at family get togethers. She inherited the "Grachek Humor". She always had a funny joke or story. She was the life of the party.
She always had a funny game for us to try... or even better, a new dance step to teach us. At our family reunion, she had all of the ladies snake dancing around the room, dressed in costumes singing "We Are Family"! Priceless!!!
As I grew even older, I realized even more, the compassion Jenny showed to everyone. When I would come from Tennessee to see my family, I would always look forward to spending time with Jenny. Sometimes I would get to spend the night with her. We'd stay up all night (along with her dog) laughing and talking. We would attend her church and visit with her friends and family. They would all tell me about projects Jenny had been involved in and how caring and devoted Jenny was in helping anyone that needed help. Everyone one agreed that Jenny ALWAYS put others before herself!
Jenny was always my Angel Cousin on Earth...and now she is my Heavenly Angel Cousin. I love Jenny so much and will always strive to be just like Jenny!
| Dan Elliott |
Memories of Jenny |
January 24, 2012 |
Jenny was one of the funniest ladies I will ever know. She was very kind, non judgemental and faithful to her kids and their friends. She was always laughing and smiling. I witnessed her love for Nick and Mindy in many ways. She took Nicks first house, which was less than disirable when purchased, and transformed the interior into a very livable habitat. She decorated every inch of the house. I also remember the perfume that Jenny would wear, it was distinct. She would come into Nick and I's work and talk to us. If Nick wasn't there at the time she would leave, upon his return he would always say "has my mom been here?" which would bring laughter from every coworker, he knows the perfume as well. I remember when little Mindy was a performer and Jenny invited me to come take in a performance of a production in Farmington. Jenny was so proud and excited that I came going as far as telling me where to sit so that I could see Mindy's performance best. That day you could not wipe the smile off of her face. She fed me, cut my hair and provided all of Nick's friends a comfortable place to hang out. I will always eat hot sauce on my scrambled eggs because of her making me try it. I will remember her spririt until my last day. She will be missed.
Latest Condolences
| Mary Eichorn |
Hermina's daughter |
January 30, 2012 |
Nick:
I was so sorry to read of your Mother's passing. I knew she had grown weaker as I had not seen her in a while. I remember fondly her warm greeting to me always "You look like my sister." I wanted to come to the visitation so I could meet her sister, but was unable to make it. Thanks to you for always having your ready smile and willingness to engage my mother. You are one of the few people who could make her smile and laugh. My condolences to you and your family.
| Joyce Elliott |
My Condolences |
January 26, 2012 |
While I never had the honor of meeting your Mother, I do know and love her Son. You and Mindy are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
| Dave Elliott |
Sorry for your loss |
January 26, 2012 |
Nick, Mindy and family,
I'm sorry about the passing of your Mom. I couldn't agree more with what Dan said. When I came to you guys house, your Mom always made it feel like home to us. It was always fun, and funny because of her. I can remember messing up the kitchen with fried egg parties, while standing in front of the fridge as we all chugged a full gallon of milk right out of the carton. She had so much love for you guys, and really spread that love to your friends as well. I'll always remember the unconditional love she showed us, even though you know, at that time we were often less than desirable characters! We mourn the loss with you guys.
Love you,
Dave
| Judd Monoson |
Jenny |
January 25, 2012 |
Nick, Mindy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always have fond memories of your mom. Her smile, contagous laugh and sheer joy just to be around all us kids!! She was special and even after all these years my heart breaks with you at this sad time.
Deepest Sympathy,
Judd
| Dan Elliott |
Sorry for your loss |
January 24, 2012 |
Nick, Mindy and family,
I am sorry for the loss of your mom. She will be missed by everyone who came in contact with her for sure.
With love,
Dan