Regina “Jean” M. Lareau, 58, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at her home. She was born December 19, 1960 in Chicago, the daughter of Thomas and Judith Ann (Dagnillo) Manos Jr. She was preceded in death by her father and one brother, Thomas Manos III. She married Michael Lareau in Homewood on August 6, 1983 and he survives in Watseka.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Kim (Scott) Wujek of San Jose, CA; one son, Tom (Laura) Lareau of Burbank, CA; one grandson, Wesley Wujek; her mother, Judith Ann Manos of Cape Coral, FL; two brothers, Jerome (Barb) Manos of Watseka and Anthony “Tony” (Jennifer) Manos of Flossmoor; one sister Christina “Chris” (George) Miller of San Diego, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Lareau was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka where she taught Catechism for many years, Shewami Country Club, and Shewami Mixed League. Following a battle with breast cancer, Jean became an advocate for the American Cancer Society. She served on the Relay for Life committee as Event Chair from 2010-2017, East Central Illinois Relay Events Lead Mentor for Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford County, participated on the Relay for Life team “Family Ties” from 2008-2018, as well as Cancer Prevention Study 3 Lead Volunteer. Jean loved traveling.
Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
A Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka Illinois. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.
Memorials may be made to Iroquois County Relay for Life, Watseka Community High School Band, or Kankakee Valley Hospice.
