Laila Gudren Wilson, 91

Laila Gudren Wilson, 91, died peacefully on Thursday Feb. 6, 2025, at Hearthstone Manor in Woodstock. She was surrounded by family and friends in her last days and weeks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Wilson Jr. , and leaves her children, Paul Wilson lll (Lynn), Linda Hansen (Tom), Tim Wilson (Gail), Todd Wilson (Deb) and Greta Engholm (Gary), 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. 

Born in Chicago on Nov. 11, 1933, she grew up in the greater Chicagoland area and attended Maine Township High School in Park Ridge. Laila met the love of her life, Paul Wilson, in Park Ridge, where they were married on Nov. 10, 1950, and had 70 years together.They lived in Woodstock for the last 56 years. 

Laila was a devoted homemaker, and she said her greatest accomplishment was rearing her five children. Her family was her treasure. However, later in life, she worked for 10 years as administrative assistant, office manager and marketing specialist at Woodstock Christian Life Services. 

Laila loved beauty, and it was reflected in her home decorating and passion for flowers, particularly orchids. She had a beautiful voice and sang in church choirs and was a soloist. Hospitality was one of her gifts, and she and her husband hosted many fun parties and gatherings. Cooking and baking delicious food for her family and friends was also her delight. Laila was proud of her Norwegian heritage so a trip to Norway was a dream come true. She was strongly patriotic. 

Laila was known for her loving kindness, genuine interest in everyone, radiant smile and being an active listener. People said she was the sweetest person they knew. She was a lady with class but modest. Central to her life was her love for and personal faith in Jesus Christ and in later years, her longing for heaven, where her new address is. 

Visitation will be held at the Evangelical Free Church in Crystal Lake on Saturday, April 26, from 10 to 11 a.m.. A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. with a luncheon following.