Shirley Jane Jahoda (nee Lelivelt), 70, of Springstead, WI, formerly of Forest Park, died Dec. 31, 2011 at her home. She was born December 19, 1941 in Oak Park.
She was the wife of the late William, mother of Thomas Jahoda, Jennifer (Frank) Anetsberger, Andrew Jahoda and the late William Patrick, grandmother of Jack Anetsberger, sister of Charles (Pad) Lelivelt and the late Donald and Richard Lelivelt, aunt, cousin and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Florence (Patton) Lelivelt.
Shirley married William “B.J.” in 1964. He was an insurance salesman who had a side career as a successful sports bookmaker for Cicero mob boss Ernest Rocco “Rocky” Infelice. He also helped run a semi-undercover gambling ring in a Forest Park warehouse. In 1991-1992, B.J. Jahoda became a federal witness at the trials of a group high-ranking area mafia members. He declined to enter the federal witness protection program and later spoke on college campuses about the dangers of gambling. He passed away in 2004.
Shirley and Bill sent all three of their children to St. Bernardine Catholic School. She worked at Forest Park Insurance Agency and Reich and Becker during the 1970s and ’80s. She was employed more than 20 years at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood before retiring in 2007.
She socialized regularly with a group of special Forest Park friends. They shopped for clothing at Bernice’s on Madison St. and dined at local restaurants. Shirley enjoyed her retirement in Springstead, WI, a place she had been visiting since childhood. She spent much time with her grandson, Jack. Services have been held.
