Honoring Wende - A Loving Mother, Wife & Artist

Wendell “Wende” L. Purchase, nee Collins, age 77, of Maywood, passed away July 23, 2023. Beloved wife of Cecil; loving mother of Preston; devoted daughter of the late Australia and Daisy Mae Collins and stepdaughter of the late James Jones, Sr.; dearest sister of Annette (Kenneth) Hill, Barnett “Barbara” Jones, and the late Gwendolyn (Lee) Burpo, the late James “Bobo” Jones, Jr., the late Bruce Albert Jones, and the late Danny (the late Charlene) Jones.

As a little girl, Wende dreamed of becoming a teacher. In high school, she was the President of the Future Teachers of America Club and volunteered her summers educating young children in creative arts as she was a skilled painter of portraits and a poet. She later realized the fulfillment of her dream came to fruition as a loving mother and caretaker of other children.

Wende was a summa cum laude graduate of Hyde Park Academy High School (f/k/a Hyde Park High School). She enlisted in the Navy on November 20, 1964, and was inspired by a deep connection with her great-grandparents to serve as a Hospital Corpsman (Nurse) at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA. After her Honorable Discharge, she chose a career as a Copywriter and Administrative Professional and worked for the likes of USC, Shell Oil, Northwestern Univ. and Loyola Medicine. Her passions were gardening, the arts, fashion, interior design, animals, and children.

For over 50 years, Wende was a member and supporter of Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA), where she held many leadership roles throughout the years in the Young Women’s Division (YWD) and Women’s Division; foremost of all an American Pioneer Member of the Fife & Drum Corps in the YWD. Wende made countless like-minded friends dedicated to the study of Buddhism, the practice of improving oneself while helping others and keeping the Faith of the Eternal Guidelines: (1) Faith for a harmonious family, (2) Faith for achieving happiness, (3) Faith for overcoming obstacles, (4) Faith for health and long life, and (5) Faith for absolute victory.

As an SGI band member, she met a charming saxophonist, Cecil, who became her devoted husband of 47 years. They grew a loving family together by raising their well-rounded son, Preston. He learned more from her than any teacher could inform. Her life lessons included the importance of respecting your elders and women, and how making a first impression goes a long way in any walk of life.

Wende leaves behind wonderful memories of her first-class wit, her nurturing heart, her tenacious persistence, her unparalleled creative talent, and her eternal love of her family.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 19th, 2023, (10amCT) at Soka-Gakkai International USA Chicago Buddhist Center, 1455 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago.

Private interment, date TBD, at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens, 826 N Kings Hwy, Wake Village, TX.

Obituary & Slideshow Presentation

In my 40 years, I've had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life. One such individual is Preston, the loving son of Cecil and Wendell Louise Purchase. We were roommates for a brief but meaningful time. (I still remember the week we were moving in there was a huge rainstorm that turned Preston's room into our apartment's indoor pool...) Preston has always had my back, even before we shared a home. We met at Sound Bar, a downtown Chicago nightclub, where I was a VIP Hostess, and he was part of the security team. There were countless times when Preston physically shielded me, enabling me to do my job.

Navigating the 'nightlife' culture isn't easy, and finding reliable, trustworthy people is even harder. But Preston was different. He was honorable, respectful, and lived by their family saying, "A Purchase always pays their bills.”, a phrase I learned many years ago. This is why I feel compelled to reach out to my community for help for the first time.

Cecil & Preston are reeling from their loss. Despite their grief, they remain pillars of self-reliance, hesitant to ask for help or 'charity.' But I see it differently. As a community, we often celebrate together, yet mourn in silence. While we may not all be able to 'find the words,' 'do more,' or attend Wendell's memorial service on August 19th, we can still support her family. Contributions towards the mounting medical, memorial, cremation and cemetery expenses associated with their loss will significantly ease their burden. Donations will go to the following costs: