Ernita "Ernie" Way Mizen of Burr Ridge, formerly of Hinsdale, died peacefully Jan. 25, 2024, surrounded by family.
Ernie, 101, was born in 1922 to Clara and Gilbert Way and grew up in Maywood. The family spent summers at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wis., a peaceful place she continued to visit as an adult.
She married Ted on Jan. 31, 1942, and together they built a beautiful life, always making service to others a priority. Ernie was dedicated to community involvement, serving as treasurer and trustee of First Christian Church of Maywood as well as den mother, Girl Scout Leader and Sunday School teacher.
After moving to Hinsdale in 1965, Ernie began volunteering in the recovery room at Hinsdale Hospital. The couple found a new church family at Union Church, where Ernie became a vital part of the Women's Association and a faithful participant in the monthly devotion services in the health care unit at King-Bruweart House. She continued providing devotion services at K-B after becoming a resident in 2008.
Throughout her life, Ernie had a keen appreciation for poetry, classical music and small moments of tranquility found in nature. Ted and Ernie traveled extensively but had an affinity for horseback riding in the mountains of Colorado. Her love of horses led her to join a group of women who rode the trails and laughed together. Ernie's circle of friends is vast, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted; her son, Ted. Jr.; and her brother, Gilbert (Evelyn) Way Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Vicki (John) Landstrom; her grandchildren, Dawn (Ervin) Rokosh, Matt Landstrom and Drew Landstrom; and her great-grandchildren, Steven Rokosh, William Rokosh and Trinian Landstrom.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield Ave.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in Ernie's memory to King-Bruweart House, 6101 S. County Line Road, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, or to Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521.
