Jane “Janie” Louise (Orlock) Bawel

Jane “Janie” Louise (Orlock) Bawel, 60, of Downers Grove, Ill., passed peacefully at 1:11 a.m. on Sunday, October 22 in her bed at home in Downers Grove next to her husband Brandon, having been surrounded by family and friends.

She had been battling Merkel cell carcinoma since mid-2019, previously having non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2005, followed by an allogeneic stem cell transplant in March 2007. She was a fierce fighter, determined not to let cancer rule her life.

Janie was born in Hinsdale, Ill., the fifth of seven children to John and Marion (née Tracy) Orlock. She was raised in Downers Grove on Chicago Ave. and graduated from Downers Grove North High School in 1981. She married and had three children: Jason, Tim, and Melissa. In 2000, she began a very successful career in medical sales, which was cut short by her cancer diagnosis in 2005. In 2003, she married Brandon Bawel, blending their families together and gained a stepson Chuck and stepdaughter Brooke.

Following her stem cell transplant in 2007, a group of friends organized a benefit motorcycle ride to provide emotional and financial assistance to Janie. It was called Ride Janie Ride. Over 500 motorcycles and more than 800 people attended. She was so moved by the outpouring of love, that she determined that she needed to “pay it forward,” hence the Ride Janie Ride Foundation was created to provide financial assistance to other families who were battling cancer. The Ride Janie Ride Foundation is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 that has now given grants totaling over 2 million dollars to more than 90 Chicago area families. It has become a large family, providing not only financial support but emotional and informational support to many more.

Janie loved spending time at her home in Hazelhurst, (the Deer House) and Camp Nanapapa, where she could commune with nature and make wonderful memories with her family, particularly her “Misters” and “Little Miss.” During her time in Hazelhurst, Janie developed many friendships and became quite familiar with the local hangouts. She loved working outside, chopping wood, bike riding, and playing a multitude of table/board games. Janie took great pride in being a homemaker and had tremendous flair for style. She took solace in the refuge of home and her quiet time.

Her years growing up and living in Downers Grove rooted many lifelong friendships. She loved her meetings with The Tribe of Five, watching the evolution of Downers Grove, and just enjoying anything old; reflective of simpler times. She was always the one making shenanigans, playing on the floor with her grandkids, making them “chunky” blankets, offering consolation and advice, and mostly being the foundation that held up her family. Eternally optimistic and fiercely loyal, she loved her children, step-children, and grandchildren deeply. Her spark and smile would light up any room.

She is survived by her Lovey, Brandon Bawel, each of her children: Jason Paul Happel (Junefrida Romion), Timothy Bernard Happel, Melissa Jane Happel, Chuck Bawel (Jenna), Brooke McCarty (Currin), seven grandchildren: Jaden, Valis, Jacob, Carter, Tripp, Nash, June, (and Miles on the way); her six siblings: Pamela Louise Foulk of Sturgeon Bay, Michael Orlock (Liz) of Sturgeon Bay, John Tracy Orlock of Sturgeon Bay, Robert John Orlock (Trish) of Madison, Ala., Patricia Louise Schaefer (Mark) of Evanston, Ill., and Amy Louise Wagner (Joe) of Downers Grove. Additionally, she is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and nephew Mason Potter.

Visitation Friday, October 27, 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main Street (1 Blk. So. of Ogden Ave.), Downers Grove. A private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ride Janie Ride Foundation, P.O Box 307, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or https://www.ridejanieride.org/fundraiser/4105 or at the Ride Janie Ride Foundation on Facebook. We Ride to Provide, pay it forward.

Information: 630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.