Obituaries
Nena M. Peduzzi
July 10, 1981 - May 8, 2026
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VISITATION
May 16, 2026 | 2:00 - 8:00 P.M -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street,
St. Charles, Illinois - Funeral
- May 16, 2026 | 7:00 P.M.
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Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street,
St. Charles, Illinois -
Burial Location
Private
Nena Michelle Peduzzi died on May 8, 2026, her story ending far too soon, at the age of 44.
Born on July 10, 1981, in Downers Grove, Illinois, to Philip Anthony Peduzzi and Ann V. Ramirez Peduzzi, Nena brought warmth, humor, adventure, loyalty, and unmistakable energy into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
A 1999 graduate of West Chicago High School, Nena received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb before building a successful and respected career in Human Resources. For the last 8 years, she served as a Corporate Compensation Manager at Ace Hardware. At work, she demonstrated expertise in her field, patience for those who weren’t experts, and kindness to all. She was trusted and respected by HR and leaders at all levels in the organization. Even with challenging situations or projects with tight timelines she could always be relied upon to come through. Her loss is being felt throughout the organization and especially to those who worked closest with her.
Nena was an amazing older sister, always the sibling caretaker and wise elder to her siblings, Stella and Vince. Nena was a caring and attentive daughter to her parents, the only child who lived locally to them, always visiting with them, making sure they saw their grandkids, making sure they were cared for. She spent her last full day on this earth accompanying her mother through surgery and taking her father, also dealing with an illness, to dinner. She did this all while keeping the rest of her family up to date on her parents well-being.
Nena’s greatest role was being a mother to her beloved boys: Johnny (15) and Owen (13) Bajor. They were, and always will be, the center of her whole world. She was fiercely devoted, endlessly proud, and determined to give them the very best of herself. Whether it was sports, appointments, getting them to and from friends, family, or their dad’s, she was there for it. There was no part of her that didn’t fiercely love and ache for their livelihood. Her love as a mother was constant, unconditional, and unmistakable to everyone who witnessed it. Her last trip with her boys and family was to Florida for her grandmother’s memorial, just 14 days before she died. There, her sons and nephew begged her to go on a half day, deep sea fishing trip, where she lovingly watched with violent sea sickness as all the other girls and women in the family went shopping. Nena was a proud “boy-mom”, and while her and her sister often joked about the differences in “boy-mom” parenting, she loved this role more than anything and she wore it with so much pride.
Her role when it came to family was so natural and unmatched, but it was the same for her countless friends, because that is who Nena was. Nena had a rare gift for making people feel included, valued, and completely at ease. Whether you had known her for years or had just met her, she welcomed people with genuine warmth and attention. She remembered the little things, checked in when it mattered, and made friendships feel effortless and meaningful.
Nena’s vibrant personality could positively alter the vibe of a situation without her even trying. Her spontaneity, her distinctive and unforgettable laugh, and her animated tutorials on how to properly pronounce “Nena” (NAY-nah)—complete with slow and emphasized syllables, hand gestures, and even a scrunched nose for the most dramatic effect—became one of the many quirks those closest to her will treasure always.
To her friends, she was more than a friend—she was family, a partner in adventure, a confidante, a safe place, and often the person who made life feel lighter simply by being present. She loved deeply, gave generously, and created connections that left a lasting mark on countless lives. To family, she was the best of a friend, combined with the undying loyalty of a blood bond.
She is survived by her two sons, Johnny and Owen Bajor; her parents, Philip and Ann Peduzzi; her brother, Vincenzo Peduzzi; her sister, Stella Peduzzi, and Stella’s children, Leo and Scarlet Terry; her uncle, Edward Ramirez (Rosalia); and aunt Susan Ramirez (Arturo). She is survived by many close cousins, all fondly referred to as “Cuz”.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Hannah; her maternal grandmother, Helen E. Ramirez; her paternal grandmother, Palma Peduzzi; and her grandfathers, Eduardo Ramirez and Evo Peduzzi.
Though our hearts are shattered by her untimely and tragic death, we are profoundly grateful to have shared in Nena’s beautiful and spirited life. Her love, laughter, loyalty, and light will continue to live on in the people she loved so fiercely and the many lives she touched so deeply. Most importantly, her spirit will live on through her two sons.
“The brightest stars burn the fastest, so we must love them while we can…”
To help support Nena’s family through these difficult times, donations can be made on their Gofundme page.
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Condolences
Tina Oomens from Bolingbrook, IL
"My heart is with all family and friends. Nena, was a beautiful and caring woman with a heart of gold. Prayers and thoughts always. I am truly grateful to have known Nena and family for a long time now. She will always be a cousin to me and same with her family. I am blessed to be part of the family. I love you all so much. Nena I’ll truly miss you especially your beautiful smile and your warm personality. My heart is always with you."
Michael Mc Mann from West Chicago, IL
"My deepest condolences On the loss of an beautiful daughter May she rest in peace Friend of Gray"
George and Diane Mueller from Crossville, TN
"We are heartbroken at the loss of this beautiful soul, as are countless others. We don’t understand why the Lord called her home so early when she shined her light into so many lives. We are praying that the memories of her can bring some comfort to the many people who are grieving her loss. May God hold those who loved and cared for her close to Him during this difficult time."
Mercedes Jaile from Bloomingdale, IL
"Dear family, I pray for all of you that you find the love of God to find the peace in your heart"
Johnny, Owen & Dad from Saint Charles, IL
"Forever in our hearts and minds as not only the greatest mother but the greatest motivator to do the best we can in life to honor her memory."
Judy Pollack from South Haven , MI
"A beautifully written tribute to darling Nena. Having been present at her birth, it’s impossible to believe she is gone so soon."
Christina Healy from Yorkville , IL
"What a beautiful tribute to Nena! Beautifully said. I have know Nena for 12 years. I met Nena in 2014 when I started doing her hair. The countless conversations over the years of her daily life, but most of all her 2 sons. That she absolutely adored and loved with her entire heart and soul. My heart is so heavy with this tragedy. Fly, Hi, beautiful Nena. You are a beautiful angel now and will be missed. Love always xoxo"
Tom Wall from Mequon, WI
"I was heartbroken to hear about Nena’s passing. She was such a vibrant, warm, and deeply loved person, and it’s obvious how much joy she brought to the people around her. My heart goes out to the entire family during this unimaginable loss."
Colleen and Scott Whiteman from Meeker, CO
"The world is a darker place without Nena in it. Our hearts go out to the Bajor and Peduzzi families. We loved Nena dearly."
Diane Cimino from Port St Lucie , FL
"So saddened to hear of Nena’s passing. Unimaginable pain and loss for so many! May you all be comforted by the promise of eternal life and the hope of reunion in Heaven!"
Terri Hayes from Lombard, IL
"Such incredibly sad news to hear of Nena’s passing. I had the honor of working with her at Ace. A true professional whose passing leaves an enormous void. My heartfelt condolences to her family."
Chris Heider from Batavia, IL
"Nena was a beautiful soul, we shared countless laughs, and unforgettable times. I feel privileged to have had her as a friend."
Kim Charbonneau from Batavia, IL
"This part written above especially rings true for everyone Nena knew: "Nena had a rare gift for making people feel included, valued."I have known Nena since Kindergarten. She really did have a rare talent of making EVERYONE feel included and welcome. She was always smiling and making others laugh. I will always remember our childhood parties, our sophomore cheerleading days, our Springfield VICA trip (with Sarah, too!), and our junior and senior year party days 😁To her boys and family, your Mom's reach was incredibly wide. She brought a lot of warmth to this world.May Nena's memory be a blessing, always.❤️"
Samir from New York, NY
"Nena, Since we were kids you always made me feel welcome and seen. I’m so glad you came into my life as early as you did. I’m still in shock about this heartbreaking news. You will never be forgotten 💕"
Jenn from SE , IL
"Nena and I had lockers next to each other in middle school. She helped me with my books when I was injured, and she always treated me kindly though many other kids did not. School was difficult for me - her kindness helped. Thank you, Nena.My condolences 💙"
Kathy Callaghan from Ocala, FL
"Nena was truly a lovely kind hearted soul. I haven't seen her in years but she was married to my nephew John Bajor. I remember her laugh and smile and always the calm in the middle of so much going on around her. She truly was a sweet girl. I was so shocked to hear of her passing. I am praying for this family. No parent should ever have to lose their child. It is truly heart breaking that the family and the boys lost such a bright light as Nena. She is with the Lord now watching over all of them. May God send healing angels to comfort this grieving family."
susan from campton hills, IL
"My deepest condolences go out to you and all of your family on the tragic loss of Nena. I am a neighbor who did not know her well but for occasional waves from our cars but always enjoyed watching her boys play from my office window. My prayers go out to all of you and may you somehow, someway , someday find peace."
Mrs. Heinz from Saint Charles , IL
"Johnny and Owen my deepest sympathies go out to you boys. This is so sad and unfair, and I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure your mom will always be watching over and loving you and rooting for you both. Your Wasco Elementary School teachers are sending you both all of our love and strength and hugs!"
Matt and Noelle Bohrer from Elgin, IL
"Nena holds a dear place in our family. She was a former student, youth group member, and baby sitter. Yet, she was more like a daughter in many ways. We always appreciated spending time with her, and her beautiful family as well. Beautiful people all.We are so deeply saddened by the losses of Nena. Her spirit, smile, and energy were such a gift. Prayers for her family and for her sons."
Sharon Streba from Bloomingdale, IL
"So sorry for your loss!"
Pete and Tina Sylvester from Chicago, IL
"Such an amazing person taken from this world way too soon. Sending all the love and prayers. Love you guys"
Jean Rofrano from Bloomingdale, IL
"My deepest sympathy and prayer for your loss."
Linda Fico from Naperville , IL
"I’m sorry , my sincere condolences . Nena was a beautiful person inside and out and will be deeply missed . There are no words to express how I feel for your whole family , just love and prayers ."
Mark from Glen Ellyn, IL
"Life is precious. Your life is a reminder of its frailty, beauty, and need to help others as we make our way through it."