Elizabeth Anne Ocon, lovingly known to her family as Happy, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Elizabeth was often described as both prolific and a perfectionist—qualities that were reflected in every aspect of her life. Whether she was exploring her love of Jane Austen, botany, birding, knitting, or orchestral music, she pursued each passion with deep curiosity and commitment. She delighted in learning, often going "all in" and even earning certifications in Ornithology and Botanical Illustration from Morton Arboretum. One of her proudest roles was serving as a docent at the Brookfield Zoo for over a decade, where she could frequently be found near her favorite animal exhibit—the tapir.
She is survived by her mother, Charlotte Ocon; her brother, Chip Ocon; sister-in-law, Cassandra Ocon; her nephew, Britton Bates; niece, London Ocon; nephew, Hampton Ocon; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Ocon, and her sister, Noelle Ocon.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Maria, Bob, and members of Elizabeth's beloved knitting group for their unwavering support. Special thank you to her medical care team and Lighthouse Hospice for their compassion and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brookfield Zoo, The Morton Arboretum, the Chicago Botanical Garden, or the Chicago Symphony Orchestra—places where Elizabeth felt most at peace and inspired.
Visitation will be held at McCaulley-Sullivan Funeral Home in Bolingbrook, IL, on Thursday, May 1 from 4p-7p with a service to follow at 7p.