Susan Amelia Guanci (Stevenson), 82, of Woodstock, IL, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at JourneyCare of Barrington, Illinois. She was born in LaHarpe, IL on March 25, 1942, to William F. Stevenson and Betty J. Stevenson (Adams).
Survivors include her son, John J.W. Guanci, III (Stacy), and four grandchildren, Amelia Anne Guanci, Hannah Marie Tulloch, Kaitlyn Marie Guanci and Adam Tulloch. She was preceded in death by her father, her mother, two infant daughters known as “The Twins,” and her husband, John J. Guanci, Jr.
She attended Western Illinois University, debated on an intercollegiate level and graduated with high honors and, most importantly, met the man who would be her husband, John J. Guanci, Jr. to whom she was married for 59 years until his passing on January 21, 2024.
Over the course of her life, she held numerous jobs performing administrative and accounting functions but the primary focus of her life, being a devoted wife, a loving mother and a dedicated grandmother and to that end her heart was genuine and kind; always thinking of others before herself.
She possessed a strong sense of curiosity and a strong liking for detail which led her to become extremely knowledgeable about any topic which she found interesting. This allowed her to become an avid gardener who could grow anything from house plants to annuals and perennials, refinishing furniture, collecting antiques and jewelry; along with cooking. On the matter of current events, culture and politics she loved good conversation and was an American patriot who was a documented Daughter of the American Revolution.
Those who knew her loved her as she always wanted what was best for other people and put the needs of others above those of her own. She was loved, she will be missed and there will never be another like her.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday January 24th at Banks & Beals, with Steve Minkler officiating. Burial will follow in the Carman Cemetery. Please visit Susan’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
