Obituary of Ellie Sage

Lenora C. Sage better known as Ellie, a beacon of selfless service and unwavering family devotion, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at the age of 91. A lifelong resident of Libertyville, Ellie's life was a testament to her motto: "Serving God by Serving Others." Born on May 27, 1933, into a large and loving family as the youngest of nine children, she graduated from Libertyville High School in 1952. Ellie's nurturing spirit shone brightly throughout her life, from pausing her education to care for her brother, to lovingly supporting her parents in their later years, to the lifelong dedication she gave to her beloved daughter, Julie. Her commitment extended to her cherished dachshund(s) and weekly Sunday dinners with her sister in Kenosha. Renowned for her culinary talents, especially her unforgettable Christmas cookies, Ellie transformed family gatherings into cherished memories and even catered private events. A dedicated parishioner of St. Joseph Church, she volunteered tirelessly, even pressing the priests' vestments. Ellie's legacy is one of boundless love, unwavering faith, and she leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Ellie is survived by her loving children Janice (Sam) Sage-Burns, Julie, Joseph (Angie) Sage; her dearest grandchildren Isabella, Penelope, Gabriel and Benjamin; and her sister Lulu Nagler. She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Cesia Calzavara; and her siblings Medo, Florence, Frankie, Oscar, Fina, Poppy, and Rudy.

Visitation for Ellie will be from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday March 28th at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Pl, Libertyville. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday March 29th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E Maple Ave., Libertyville. Interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to SRACLC https://sraclc.org/support-us/ would be greatly appreciated. Funeral info (847) 362-2626