Date of death: 04/18/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: C 1984
Born June 21, 1961 in Chicago to the late James and Ruth Lawshe, he peacefully passed away April 18, 2025 in Elmhurst. He will be remembered as a warm, nurturing, and kind soul who brought light and laughter wherever he went.
He was born in Chicago and grew up in the Addison area. Tom attended the Saint Meinrad Seminary and College in Indiana, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1984.
Tom had a lifelong love of nature, especially plants and gardening, where he found both peace and joy. An avid reader with an eclectic taste in music, his playlists blended opera, blues, and his favorite, 80s rock. He had a deep passion for cooking, with a special love for crafting paella. Among his proudest culinary traditions was founding the Lawshe family’s annual Salsa Competition—cleverly scheduled around his birthday each year to bring his fun-loving, competitive family together in celebration of him.
Tom found joy in life’s simplest pleasures: camping under the stars, long bike rides, watching classic films, and diving deep into the beauty of old cinematography. He was a true lover of the arts in all forms.
Tom lived in Chicago for most of his adult life, working in the restaurant hospitality industry, including Wrigley Field and the United Center.
Above all, Tom’s family will forever treasure his courageousness, especially his decision to come out in the early 1990s and live the rest of his life with pride and authenticity. He was an inspiring role model to his nieces and nephews, showing them that being yourself is not only enough—it’s something to be celebrated. His legacy is one of love, acceptance, and unapologetic joy.
Loving brother to Laurie, Jim (Marybeth), Mike (Cathy), Patti (Bill) Caron, and Dan (Allison); beloved uncle to Michelle, Everett, Brett, Courtney (Joe Cooper), and Chad (Sam) Anderson, Jimmy (Kari) Lawshe, Sarah (Martin) Fuger, Rachel (Kyle) Willhelm, Erin (Jason) McDonald, Whitney (Austin) Burns, Colin (Arika) Lawshe, Emily, Mason, Jonny (Cassie), Elaina (Shaun Peace), Will Caron, Liam and Jackson Lawshe; cherished grand-uncle to Scarlet and Jamie Anderson, Maisie Lawshe, Sadie and Maxwell Fuger, Brayden Willhelm, Eli and Norah McDonald, Tate, Beckett, and Lincoln Burns, Forrest and Cameron Lawshe, and June Caron; adored by his family and dear friend to many. Tom will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched, including his Mariano’s family.