Memorials
At First United Church of Christ we believe death never has the last word in God’s Kingdom. We believe in the eternal promises of Christ that say that God is a God of life and life abundant, both here on earth and beyond what our eyes can see.
Pastors meet with families to plan the services and to share that loved one’s life story. First Congregational conducts memorials for members and for people in our wider community.
Celebrating the Life of Olgha S. Sandman
Visitation and Memorial Service took place on Saturday, April 18th
Olgha’s family, church family and friends gathered to celebrate her amazing life and legacy following a private family internment in our memorial garden. If you were not able to join us, you can still see the service via the link below.
MEMORIAL GIFTS: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Farm Worker Ministry at www.NFWM.org.
BULLETIN / ORDER OF SERVICE: For your reference, you can view and download a copy of the Bulletin/Order of Service.
MEMORIES SLIDESHOW: Olgha’s family put together a complication of photos - visual memories from throughout her life. You can watch that here.
Celebrating the Life of Gerry Bedwell
Visitation & Memorial Service: Saturday, May 2nd
1 - 3 p.m., Lexington Square of Lombard
Church member Gerry Bedwell passed away April 12th, surrounded by her family: daughter and son-in-law Lora and Jim Finucane and grandchildren Tom and Katie. Even before Gerry moved up here from Missouri to be near her family, she would come often for visits, especially around the time of the annual Church Garage Sale. She often came that week as she loved to help with the setup and sales. Gerry had a great sense of humor, loved a good laugh, and had a mischieveous twinkle in her eye.
DIRECTIONS: You are invited to join the family for a visitation at Lexington Square of Lombard from 1 - 3 p.m. including a short service at 2 p.m. The visitation will be held in the Hyde Park Room on the first floor. Lexington Square is located at 555 Foxworth Blvd, Lombard, IL 60148. Click for directions.
Celebrating the Life of Marilyn E. Wilgocki
Memorial Service & Luncheon: Friday, June 5th
1 1 a.m. Sanctuary, followed by a luncheon in Fellowship Hall
Marilyn died a peaceful death on March 19, 2026 at the age of 90. She was a music teacher, church musician, and community leader. Marilyn shared her musical talents with our church for three decades! She joined us in 1976 and led our choirs and musicians through the years until her departure from her role as Director of Music Ministries in 2006. She lived in Downers Grove for 53 years, then moved to Wisconsin in 2021 to be closer to family.
SERVICE: You are invited to join the family to celebrate her life with a Memorial Serive in our Sanctuary. If you are not able to attend in-person, the service will also be live-streamed and you can access that from the button below.
MEMORIAL GIFTS: Memorial gifts may be directed to the following organizations:
Westminster College, “Marilyn Wilgock Music Scholarship”, 319 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16172
Minnesota Boychoir, Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street #411, St. Paul, MN 55102
Or to plant a tree in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Contact Us
To inform us of the passing of a loved one or to schedule a memorial service at First Congregational United Church of Christ, please contact us at:
adminsec@uccdg.org
630-968-0358
1047 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515