When Andrea “Andee” Weinberg-Chestnut, 67, died suddenly at home on December 12, 2023, we’re pretty sure her first words would’ve been, “Well, s—.” Because this joyful woman had a LOT of living left to do.
More than anything, we know she never wanted to leave her favorite people: her daughters, Leah (Scott) Herold of Elgin, IL, Lindsay Chestnut (Sean Monroe) of Baltimore, MD, and bonus daughter Christine Vogel of Park Ridge, IL. The only people she loved more than her girls were her grandsons, Matthew and Nathan Herold. As she said, “These boys are my whole world.”
She leaves behind an ex-husband-turned-friend, David (Cindy) Chestnut of Champaign, along with a bunch of loving Chestnuts. She was endlessly proud of our happy modern family. She also leaves behind a sister, Susan Weinberg (Martin Arend) of Edina, MN, and a strong core of lifelong friends around the country. Andee was preceded in death by her brother, Fred, and parents Rose and Phil Weinberg of Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her favorite child, our dog Parker.
Andee made her world debut on November 26, 1956 in Peoria. She graduated from Richwoods HS in 1974 and couldn’t run fast enough to Western Illinois University, where she was an ATO Little Sister and enjoyed the ‘70s to the fullest. Andee graduated in 1978 with a B.S. in Special Education and taught for the Springfield School District at McFarland. She officially became a Chestnut when she married Dave in 1981. She left the classroom in 1983 when her beautiful daughter Leah was born, then worked for the Illinois Education Association. In 1987–with a young child and new baby Lindsay in tow–she graduated with a Master’s in Governmental Public Relations from the University of Illinois-Springfield. She moved with her family to Mahomet in 1989 while working for a local state representative. The bulk of her career was then spent happily at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, where she worked as the Public Information Director for 20 years, on top of being the Event Coordinator for the Freedom Fest Committee.
After retiring in 2011, she continued to work part-time for the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration, which she loved wholeheartedly. In 2016, she moved to Huntley to be closer to her grandsons. Andee was a natural writer and editor, and she graced the world with her wit through a blog, a small business, and the newsletter for her local Shalom Group. Between the boys, her friends, and her many travels, she continued to live life to the fullest.
She will forever be remembered for her huge smile, constant jokes, and joyous laughter. She has maintained strong friendships throughout every stage of her life, and she truly treasured every single person in her world.
A visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the DeFiore Funeral Home in Huntley. A short service will take place at 4:00. Burial will be Monday, Dec. 18th at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.
In honor of our incredibly generous Andee, who lived by the motto “Pay it Forward,” we ask to send donations to the Weinberg Family Scholarship at Bradley University, Office of Advancement-Gift Records, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625; or to whatever charity is near and dear to your heart.
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My deepest condolences to you and your family. I knew Andee as a member of the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration. I also served on the Board for seven years include President. This gave me an incredible opportunity to work with Andee and get to know her. She was kind, generous, funny and dedicated to helping others. Please feel comfort in knowing she was loved by so many and made a difference in others. Michael McCarty Executive Director of the Glenview Park District, Glenview, IL
Andee, you were a joy to work with throughout our time together in the AAPRA. Always possessing an uplifting and joyous disposition. Heaven’s gain is our loss. May God bless you and comfort your loved ones.
Andre will always be remembered as the first person who greeted me as a new Academy member. She had a constant, genuine smile that lit up the room. Sincere condolences to her family; may you carry her heart with you forever.
I was simply taken a back with the news of the loss of our beautiful Andee. I do want to extend my condolences to Andee’s entire family on this loss. Andee was always a person with a “can do” spirit with everything that she did for the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration. My term as president of the Academy was simply a dream come true because of all the work that Andee did behind the scenes for me. She would not allow anything to go wrong on her watch. Andee will be sorely missed because of her loving nature as well as the boundless energy that she possessed. She is truly an angel now. Thanks to her family for having shared Andee with the Academy for so many wonderful years.
Andee, was so kind to shepherd many of us along the way in the Academy. She would drop anything to help a person out when needed. Loved her smile and grace. A joy to work with over the years. My deepest condolences to her family and closest friends. Jodie Adams (AAPRA Member)
We are shocked and so saddened to hear of Andee's passing. We always looked forward to seeing her smiling face and laughter. She will be dearly missed. Sending love to her family. Rest in peace our friend.