Margaret "Meg" Evelyn Thomas Wayne

Margaret “Meg” Evelyn Thomas Wayne passed away on March 30, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky at the age of 98.

Meg was known as a teacher, gardener, artist, swimmer, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother.

Meg was born in Chicago on March 18, 1928. She grew up in the suburb of Maywood with two brothers, Paul and Russ, and her beloved terrier, Jackie. At a time when street lights were gas lamps and the fridge was an actual ice box, Meg walked everywhere because her family never owned a car. She walked a mile to school, even when the snow was waist-deep. Meg’s dedication to education led her to graduate with 12 years of perfect attendance, and later pursue a career in teaching. In addition to being a scholar, Meg was a gifted artist who was accepted to the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago—rare for a female during that time.

On October 22, 1949, Meg married her high school sweetheart and Army veteran, Walter Wayne. They raised their children, Russell and Kathryn, in the Chicago suburbs of Bensenville and Lombard. Meg worked as a teacher at St. Alexis Catholic School and a film librarian at York and Willowbrook High Schools. Although she pursued education for her career, she never gave up her art, and always loved the opportunity to paint. She leaves behind many original pieces with her family.

In 1990, Meg and Walt both retired and followed their grandchildren to Louisville, KY., where they got to see them grow up. Meg taught her family several wonderful traditions, with none more storied than her art of baking the family’s Christmas cookies; a tradition that will be carried on diligently by her daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren for years to come. Meg traveled the world for years in retirement with her husband and friends. Together, they visited many countries. Stories from these trips were often told at the family’s weekly Saturday night dinners, which Walt and Meg hosted for decades.

Walt passed away after 62 years of marriage, and Meg navigated life as a widow through her strong Catholic faith. She remained independent and kept her sense of adventure. Perhaps one of the greatest blessings during this time was the ability to know and love her seven great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “GG.”

Meg was an early member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and long-time resident of Lake Forest, where she met a host of friends. Meg’s family often joked about how she was hard to catch on the phone, because she had such a busy social schedule. Whether it was dinners with the St. Patrick Leprechauns Senior Group, get-togethers with Ladies of the Lake, and recently, her tea parties and art classes with her friends at Village Crossing Retirement Community, Meg kept her calendar full and fun.

While Meg retired from education 36 years ago, she spent the rest of her life teaching those around her. Everyone who knew Meg learned—they learned how to be more patient, caring, and genuinely invested in those around them. Meg Wayne made everyone around her a better version of themselves. She said repeatedly in her final days, she loved everyone who called or visited—”deeply,” “truly,” and “forever.” Meg’s family and friends strive to carry with them her beautiful legacy of love and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents, Evelyn and Joseph Thomas; and brothers, Paul Thomas and Russell Thomas.

Meg is survived by her son, Russell (Mary); daughter, Kathryn (Gary); grandchildren, Kevin (Brandy), Brian (Courtney), and Mary Margaret (Brad); and seven great-grandchildren: Gibson, Cameron, George, Walter, Mary Margaret, Jude, and Zella.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1000 N. Beckley Station Road. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or the Glioblastoma Foundation.

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