Arlene K. Wray (nee Kozyra), 68, a resident of Brookfield for 42 years, died Feb. 8, 2013 at her daughter’s home in South Elgin.
Ms. Wray was a crossing guard for the Brookfield Police Department for 25 years, retiring in June 2012. For many of those years, she helped cross students at the intersection of Hollywood and Washington avenues near Hollywood School.
Last May, she was honored by the police department for her 25 years of service at a meeting of the Brookfield Village Board. Wray at that time also received recognition from the Township of Lyons Board of Trustees and a letters of appreciation from Hollywood School Principal Mindy Keller and Hollywood School students.
According to Brookfield Police Lt. Edward Petrak, who supervises the crossing guards, said Ms. Wray was such a dedicated crossing guard that she asked to be buried with her crossing guard vest and stop paddle.
At her funeral on Tuesday, her fellow crossing guards formed an honor guard as her casket was brought into the church.
In addition, Ms. Wray worked for more than 17 years as an employee of Lexington Square in Elmhurst.
Ms. Wray was the wife of David P. Wray; the mother of Brandi K. (David) Huffman, Mindy K. Seelentag and Jason Paxon Wray; the grandmother of David and Harley Seelentag; the sister of Carol Linning and William Kozyra; and the aunt of Brian, Sherry and Karen.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 12 at St. Louise de Marillac Church in LaGrange Park, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by Riverside Funeral Directors, Brian D. Kuratko, director.
