Former Elgin woman remembered for love of “simple pleasures in life”

A former Elgin woman who is remembered for her love of the “simple pleasures in life” has died from complications from COVID-19.

Lorelei Wenzel, 77, died peacefully in her sleep Jan. 3 in Batavia.

Wenzel had a passion for music. Classically trained, she earned a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and studied at the Chicago Musical College conservatory. She played many instruments, mastering the French horn.

Later, she worked in education as an administrator and taught special education.

After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering for the Girl Scouts, her church and at the public library.

Wenzel moved to Elgin from Homewood in 2007 to be closer to her granddaughter, before eventually moving to a nursing home in Batavia in 2016.

Her son Erik Wenzel said she “lived for the simple pleasures in life — sewing, napping with pets, a pot of tea and a good book, and giving the best hugs.”

A memorial service will be planned at a later date. The family said gifts in her memory can be made to Harmony House for Cats hhforcats.org and the Gail Borden Library Foundation gailborden.info/foundation/.