Jeannie Gapinski

Jeannie Pelagio Gapinski (née Pelagio), 55, of Lake Villa, Illinois, passed away at 12:16 p.m. on February 11, 2026. She was born on April 17, 1970, in Manila, Philippines, the daughter of the late Alfredo Pelagio and Erlinda Pelagio (née Zamora). Jeannie devoted her life to caring for others. In the Philippines, she worked as a cook and lovingly cared for her family. She was especially close to her siblings, nieces, and nephews. Alongside her mother, she helped with their family’s small food business, sharing her gift of cooking with many. She also served her community as a public security officer. Jeannie was fondly remembered by the neighborhood children, who were often the happy recipients of her complimentary porridge. In 2016, Jeannie moved to the United States, where she married her beloved husband, Calvin. She later became a proud U.S. citizen. She worked at the Kaibigan Store, where she found a second family among her coworkers and customers. Jeannie had a vibrant spirit and many passions. She was an avid plant collector, loved karaoke, and knew more about the NFL than most men. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and was a fierce lover of Jesus. A phenomenal cook, she brought joy to every gathering—especially with her famous spaghetti. If you knew Jeannie, you knew her kind eyes, bright smile, and genuine soul. She will be greatly missed and forever loved by all who knew her. Jeannie is survived by her beloved husband, Calvin Gapinski; her stepchildren, Calsey (Samuel) Fernandez, Allyson Walton, Corine Barrera, Russell (Jenn) Walton, Jeremy (Lori) Walton, and Nathan (Lori) Walton; her grandchildren, Sienna Fernandez, Eliza Walton, Macee Walton, Carlee Walton, Ethan Walton, and Kiera Helman; and her siblings, Ariel Pelagio (Grace), Jinky Pelagio, Arnold Pelagio (Elpha), and Patricia Pelagio (Darwin). She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Edelmina Maranan (née Pelagio), and brother-in-law, Jesus Maranan. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on February 16, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 135 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Villa, Illinois 60046, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass. Mass will be livestreamed at: evt.live/jeannie-gapinski Burial will take place at Avon Centre Cemetery, 21300 W. Shorewood Road, Grayslake, Illinois 60030.

Jeannie Gapinski

April 17, 1970 - February 11, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services