Audrey Chesta of Wheaton and Beverly passed away on October 13, 2024, at the age of 82. Born in Chicago on May 23, 1942, to Jewel (Deckelmann) and Al Lencki, Audrey attended St. Adrian grade school and graduated from Loretto High School in 1960. She received her B.A. from Saint Xavier College in Chicago in 1964 and became a case manager for the Illinois Department of Public Aid, assisting families in need.

From 1967 until his death in 2010, Audrey was married to John A. Chesta, a loving husband, pharmacist, and founder of Tinley Park Drugs and Village Video. Audrey owned and managed Village Video in Beverly from 1981 until she and John moved to Wheaton in 2006. She loved traveling with John and the kids, and had a gift for forming friendships that often lasted a lifetime.

Audrey's love for the arts was evident through her involvement in the Children's Theatre of Beverly Hills Junior Women's Club and Pitt Players, a children's theatrical program at the Beverly Art Center. Her encyclopedic knowledge of great stories helped her recommend just the right movies, especially foreign films, to the patrons of Village Video. Many young patrons were later hired by Audrey and, inspired by her passion, became lifelong movie lovers themselves.

If you walked with Audrey through the hills of Beverly, it seemed that everyone in the neighborhood knew her and would stop to chat. Audrey is survived by her children John Chesta, Mark Chesta, and Julie Novak; her daughters-in-law Carolyn Chesta and Kelly Chesta; and her son-in-law Jake Novak. She was a proud grandmother to Sydney, Abigail, Evan, Delaney, Piper, Elwood, Emmett, and Calvin. She was predeceased by her grandson Charlie.

Audrey was passionate about gardening and politics. Her guests would marvel at her delicate orchids and the greenest of plants, sustained with her patience and care. Audrey was also an avid reader, always with a new batch of books on her table each month, and she loved sharing the books she cherished with those she loved. This quest to stay informed and her passion for great storytelling inspired her children and grandchildren to seek knowledge and stand up for their convictions while appreciating life as the great story it is.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Audrey's name to the Northern Illinois Food Bank at https://solvehungertoday.org .