Myrna Kay Paulissen (nee Monjon), 83, of Kankakee, died peacefully surrounded by her family on April 11, 2024, in her home in Waterloo. Myrna was born Oct. 13, 1940, in Earl Park, Ind., the daughter of George and Elizabeth Monjon (nee McDaniel).

Myrna grew up in Earl Park, graduating from high school in 1958. In 1960, she moved to rural Kankakee and married Ron Paulissen. Myrna’s door was always open and the kitchen was warm with the smell of fresh candy and cookies.

Myrna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She loved sports, rooted for the Chicago Cubs and Indiana University Basketball and spent many years coaching softball in Bonfield-Limestone. 

Myrna’s greatest passion was being a caretaker. Myrna owned an in-home daycare for over 20 years, caring for children from infancy into grade school. She’ll be remembered for her legendary stories, rebellious attitude and unwavering loyalty to her loved ones.

Myrna is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law David (Susan) Paulissen of Waterloo, Jeffrey (Debbie) Paulissen of Kankakee and Randall (Erin) Paulissen of Peru; daughter Colleen Pool of Homosassa, Fla.; brother Kenton Monjon of Elkhart, Ind.; and sister-in-law Cynthia (Richard) McBarnes of Bourbonnais. Also surviving are grandchildren who loved their grandma dearly; Katie, Sarah, Andy, Kyle, Sydney, Noah, Finn, Theo and Graham; great-grandchildren Jack and Murphy; and many nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Myrna.

Preceding her in death are her beloved husband of 57 years Ron Paulissen, whom she married on May 7, 1960; her parents; infant daughter Susan E. Paulissen; granddaughter Erica Paulissen; sister and brother-in-law Sheila (nee Monjon) and James Paulissen; brother and sister-in-law Terry and Virginia (nee Koerner) Monjon; brothers George “Max” and Martin “Bucky” Monjon; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph and Dorothy (nee Grube) Paulissen.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. April 15 at Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel. 

A memorial service will follow at the funeral home. 

An additional celebration of life will be held in Waterloo at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Erica Lynn Paulissen Memorial Scholarship Fund at cfkrv.org