Obituaries

Arvena Marie “Vee” Guynn was born to Jama (Mazzotti) and Robert Wade on May 28, 1925. On May 23, 2026, just five days shy of her 101st birthday, Vee passed away peacefully at River Glen Assisted Living Facility surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her children, Debbie (Jeff) MacDonald, Kevin (Julie) Guynn, Brent Guynn, and Todd (Lisa) Guynn; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; her sister, Jami Philbrick; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Vernon; her parents; her brother, Bob Wade; and her brother-in-law, Jack Philbrick.

Vee grew up in Rantoul, Illinois, and graduated from Rantoul High School. She spent a year attending Ward-Belmont School in Nashville, Tennessee, before transferring to the University of Illinois in Champaign, where she joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority and completed her degree in Micro Biology. Following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Vernon.

Early in their marriage, Veron was posted to Bremerhaven, Germany to fulfill a two-year assignment with the U.S. Army.  Vee joined him with their two-year-old daughter, Debbie.

In 1956, the family moved to St. Charles, where Vee quickly made it her mission to become involved in the community and build lasting friendships. Living near Delnor Hospital, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary, volunteered extensively and helped organize annual fundraising events including the hospital’s benefit balls. She was also an active member of the Pottawatomie Garden Club for 66 years and later volunteered at the Kane County Juvenile Court.

In 1964, Vee became a member of P.E.O. Chapter KB, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and celebrating women. Throughout her many years of membership, she served in several leadership roles and remained deeply committed to its mission.

In 1965, the Guynn family welcomed Moira Robertson as an AFS exchange student. Moira became a cherished member of the family, and Vee became a second mother to her. Through this experience, the St. Charles community gained a greater appreciation and understanding of another culture.

During these years, Vee discovered a passion for tennis. A social, but competitive player, she continued playing well into her eighties. She was also an accomplished and enthusiastic bridge player who enjoyed spirited competition and lasting friendships around the card table.

Vee’s love of travel inspired a new chapter in her life. At age 60, she enrolled in a travel agent certification course. After completing her training, she partnered with two friends to open Going Places travel agency. The business served the Fox Valley from 1985 until 1995, when it was sold.

The legacy that Vee and Vernon leave behind to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is to support and encourage them to participate in community, arts, education, sports and international travel. Vee’s famous loud whistle of motivation has been passed down the generations.

The family is deeply grateful to the many organizations and individuals who enriched Vee’s life in her later years. Special thanks go to River Glen for its caring staff, daily interactions, and outings to theater performances; Fox Valley Memory Café for its monthly gatherings; Baker Memorial Methodist Church members and prayer group; Seniors Helping Seniors for providing transportation, companionship, and social opportunities; her P.E.O. sisters for their continued friendship; and the MANY friends who visited her at River Glen. Your kindness, friendship, and support brought great joy to Vee’s life and meant so much to her family.

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