Charlene A. Surdey (nee Lingholm), age 93, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Hospital, Joliet, on Monday, May 4, 2026, with her loving family at her side. Survived by her children Robert (Robin) Surdey and Lorie (Jeff) Burlison; her grandchildren Jason (Amanda), Erin (Kyle), Sean (Tammi), and Heather; her great-grandchildren Jasmine, Marie, Candace, and Evan; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special furry friend "Zona." She is also survived by many special friends, her neighbors Anton and Kathy Miller in Ocala, FL; Shirley Wallen in Indiana; and Angie Plese, her close friend at her retirement home, Willow Falls. Preceded in death by her parents John and Rita (nee Nelson) Lingholm; her husband Leonard Surdey (2018); her son Leonard "Mike" Surdey; grandson Justin Surdey; her brothers and sisters-in-law Gene and Winnie Lingholm and John and Barb Lingholm; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Charlene was a graduate of Joliet Central High School. She and her husband Leonard enjoyed their retirement life in Ocala, Florida. Charlene and Leonard also volunteered at Operation Compassion Food Pantry, where they both attained their forklift licenses at the age of 70. There they found purpose and many friends. In their spare time, shopping flea markets was a favorite past time. Charlene was a faithful Christian attending weekly services at Willow Falls and was an active resident participating in bingo, card playing, bracelet making, and flower arranging. Charlene created quite a life at Willow Falls and will be remembered for her wit, humor, and her many special relationships. The family would like to acknowledge her many caregivers, especially Autumn for her special care and attention she provided Charlene; Sam and Julie for their amazing ability to provide engaging activities; and Ann for her front desk antics and fast friendships. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Dr. Bhavesh Gandhi and his staff for the genuine care they have provided to Charlene over the past years. Charlene was a loving mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend, and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation for Charlene will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place on the same day at 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, at 1:30pm, where she will be reunited with her beloved husband, Loenard. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.