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ANNA BUCON
Anna Bucon, age 100, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Anna was born in Poland on October 9, 1923, to the late Bronislaw and late Julia (Maslowska) Dawidczuk. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Makarjusz, Aleksander, Stach, and Stefan, and her sister, Pawlina. After World War II, she met her husband, the late Wladyslaw Popinski (departed September 10, 1970), in Germany. They emigrated to Sao Paulo, Brazil where their daughters were born before settling in Chicago in 1958.
Anna married the late Roman Bucon (departed May 1, 2024) and they would have celebrated their golden anniversary on September 28. Roman was a former District XII Commissioner of the Polish National Alliance. Anna was proud of her Polish heritage, and she also served in various capacities of the Polish National Alliance and local and national Polish Veteran groups.
She is survived by her daughters, Barbara LaRocco and Irene (Michael) Lyewski. She was a loving grandmother to Nicholas Adam (Rose) LaRocco, Steven Alexander (Jennifer Rathmann) LaRocco, Alexandra Nicole (Christopher) Lyewski Thunherst, and Michael Dylan Lyewski. She is preceded in death by her great-grandson, Theodore Adam LaRocco. She is survived by many nephews and nieces, including Mihal Davidchuk and his wife, Galena, of North Carolina and their children, Aleksey and Tanya, their children, along with many friends. Anna was always grateful to have lived such a long life, but she was saddened to have lost so many friends and family during her life.
Services will be private. Donations, in lieu of flowers, are greatly appreciated to help offset her medical and caregiving expenses. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
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ANNA KAMINSKA
Anna Kaminska, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024.
The beloved wife of the late Andrzej Kaminski, Anna’s legacy is carried on through her loving children: Dorota (Jakub) Krol, Marta (Marcin) Harbut, Wojciech (Halina) Kaminski, and Bernadetta (Karol) Staszeczka. Anna’s warmth and wisdom live on in her cherished grandchildren: Andrzej, Jakub, Andrzejek, Amelia, Alexandra, Filip, and Maja, who will continue to be guided by her enduring spirit. Anna was the treasured daughter of the late Wladyslaw and late Maria Mrozek, and a dear sister to Zofia (Stanislaw) Gacek and Wladyslawa (Jozef) Kaminski. Her extended family, including many relatives and friends, will remember Anna for her compassionate heart and the strength of her convictions.
Visitation, Friday, September 27, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral, Saturday, September 28, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview, for Mass. Interment, Cmentarz Parafialny, Szaflary, Poland. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
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JOZEF KIJ
Jozef Kij, age 71, passed away on September 24, 2024.
Beloved husband of Bronislawa Kij (nee Szymusiak); loving father of Janina (Wojciech) Staszel, Wojciech (Zofia) Kij, Jan Kij and Andrzej Kij; dearest grandfather of Dawid, Jakub, Albert, Adrian, Grzegorz, Julia, Izabela, Alicja and Natalia; cherished son of the late Anna (nee Dlugopolska) and the late Stanislaw Kij; dear brother of the late Jan (Helena) Kij, Wojciech (Zofia) Kij and Maria Kiernoziak. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation, Friday, September 27, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral, Saturday, September 28, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
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IRENE KOMARA
Irene Komara passed away peacefully on Friday morning, October 4, 2024 with her loving family at her side.
She was the beloved wife of the late Raymond Komara retired C.P.D.; loving mother of Roberta “Bobbie” (Donald retired C.P.D.) Smith, Anthony U.S.A.F. (Juanita) Komara, Christine (William retired Cook County Sheriff) Brazitis, the late John Komara and the late Cheryl Dunaj. Cherished grandmother of Jamie, John, Joseph, Jimmy and Samantha Dunaj, Katy, Gina, Michael, B.J. and Becky Komara, Thomas (Jackie) Komara, Matthew (Erin) Komara, Anthony Jr. (Jennifer)Komara, Brandon (Elizabeth) Komara, Dylan Komara, Cassandra (Brandon) Johnson and Gabriella Brazitis; dear great grandmother of many and great great grandmother of one; fond sister of Norma (late Al) De Salvo and Arlene (late Vic) Cejka. Irene was preceded in death by her other brothers and sisters, Lorraine, Eugene, Patricia, Joseph and Alice. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held October 8 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held at the funeral home October 9 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for a Mass of Christian burial. Irene was buried next to her beloved husband at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
LORRAINE E. KOZICKI
Lorraine E. Kozicki, 93, formerly of Hickory Hills and now of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 10, 2024.
She was the beloved wife of the late Bruno R. Kozicki; cherished mother of Kenneth (Nelia) Kozicki, David (Jamie) Kozicki and the late Linda Jean Kozicki; loving grandmother of James (Katie), Jason, Erik, Bryan (Nichole) Vane, Elizabeth (Kyle) Kozicki, Bobby (Amanda) Vane, Michael (Jennifer) and Corinne Sigler. Loving great-grandmother of Serafina, Isabelle, James, Gavin, Brody, Audrey, Kaleigh, Ryleigh, Ava Kae, Bethany, Brianna, and Richard.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Friday, October 18, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will begin Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Palos Gaidas-Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy. Entombment Resurrection Mausoleum.
JAMES ROBERT MCCULLOUGH
James Robert McCullough, 85, passed away on October 9, 2024 at his home in Worth.
He is survived by his loving sisters Eileen (John) Madden, Mary Therese, and Peg McMahon. He was predeceased by his devoted parents Ervin “Bud” and Sarah “Sal” (Casey) McCullough. Jim loved and delighted in the accomplishments of his many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews, and he enjoyed the company of his many cousins.
Jim enjoyed a long career as a gifted teacher of English, most recently for over 30 years at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. He was the moderator of the school’s national award-winning literary magazine, Harbinger, and he was especially proud that several Carmel alumni have gone on to have distinguished writing careers. Carmel was also where Jim formed decades-long friendships with fellow faculty members.
In retirement, Jim logged many volunteer hours recording novels and academic texts for Learning Ally, a company that supplies audiobooks to help students with reading challenges. Jim loved all things beautiful, particularly the fine arts, music, and poetry, a love which he shared generously with family and friends.
Jim also had a long career as a keen observer of human behavior as a part-time bartender at Knollwood Country Club, and he would regale us with stories of his experiences there, most notably our favorite, “The Time I Bored Michael Jordan.” Jim loved his family, and we will miss his wit, his kindness, and his hearty laugh.
Family and friends will gather for a memorial visitation on Wednesday, October 16, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 17, at 9:15 a.m. with prayers at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., to Sacred Heart Church for a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders, Misericordia, or UNICEF.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call
WALTER ANTHONY MICHALAK JR.
Walter Anthony Michalak Jr. passed away on October 8, 2024.
He is survived by his brother Daniel S. Michalak, his sister Barbara M. Jamroziak (nee Michalak), brother-in-law James D. Jamroziak, and his nephew Jeremy J. Jamroziak, nieces Jennifer M. Vanbuskirk (nee Jamroziak), Kimberly A. Torres (nee Jamroziak) and two great nieces and four great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his best friend Ken Gacki and his parents Walter A. Michalak Sr. and Lottie M. Michalak (nee Nowinski).
Wally was born, raised and lived for most of his life in Chicago. For one and a half years, he lived in a suburb of Buffalo. Eventually, Wally returned to the Midwest and settled down in Palos Heights.
As a teenager, determined to strike out on his own, Wally found employment working for a cobbler in a shop in his neighborhood. Over the years he held various factory jobs. He loved sports, especially bowling and won multiple trophies and ribbons over the years.
Wally was a kind and gentle soul who dearly loved his family and his friends. He was loyal, gregarious, generous and fun loving. He was a friend to all who met him. The world was a better place with him in it, he will truly be missed. Wally will live forever in the silent memory of our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, make a charitable donation in Wally’s name to The Epilepsy Foundation and the ARC.
Family and friends will gather for a memorial visitation on Friday, October 18, at 10 a.m. until a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home. For more information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
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ROSALIA RIVERA
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Rosalia Rivera who left us on October 5, 2024 at the age of 82. A beacon of love and compassion, she was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and her gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Born on September 9, 1942 in Maricao, Puerto Rico, Rosalia Rivera was a true embodiment of love and warmth, she embodied the qualities of patience, kindness, and unwavering support. Her beautiful smile could brighten any room, and her gentle spirit provided comfort to everyone around her. She had an extraordinary gift for giving advice, always knowing the right words to say, and her ability to listen with compassion made her a trusted confidante to many.
In addition to her nurturing nature, Mami was an incredible cook. Her delicious meals brought family and friends together, creating cherished memories around the dinner table. She poured her heart into every dish, and her cooking was a reflection of her love for her family. From arroz con gandules, lechón, pavochón and pasteles to the simplest of meals, every bite was infused with care, love and joy.
Rosalia Rivera is survived by her daughters, Emma Ramos, Marilyn Rivera, Jessenia Torres and Claudia Delgado; Sons, Nick Rivera, Melvin Ramos, Francisco Torres and Daniel Maldonado; Grandchildren, Marilyn Rivera, Emaly Ramos, Melvin Ramos Jr. Emanuel Ramos, Jasmin Ramos, Jaslyn Maldonado and Ansleigh Rivera; her brother Nicolas Santiago and sister Grace Garcia and last but not least her nieces and nephews who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Her legacy of love, patience, and kindness will continue to inspire us every day.
Mami, your beautiful smile and loving spirit will remain with us always. Thank you for being the heart of our family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made thru Zelle at: eramos586@hotmail.com (Emma Ramos). Memorial service was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60632. Rosalia final resting place is at Maryhill Cemetery.
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. – Thessalonians 4:13-14
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MEGAN SPRING
Megan Spring (nee Weeks), devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away unexpectedly September 19, 2024, at the age of 42.
Her life will forever be cherished by husband John Spring (CPD), children Emma and Hank, and siblings Amy, Rachel, Jeff and Chris. Parents Steven and the late Linda Weeks. Daughter-in-law to John Sr. and the late Diane Spring, a cousin, an aunt, and a friend to so many. May Megan rest in peace, knowing that her love will continue to be a guiding force for all who knew her.
Visitation was held September 26 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 27, family and friends gathered at Saint Christina Church, 3344 W. 111th Street, Chicago for visitation with a Funeral Mass. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
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BETTY JANE TABISZ
Betty Jane Tabisz, 92, passed away peacefully at home on July 8, 2024. She was the daughter of James and Helen Chiarello, sister to Dolores Hage, and the widow of Casimir (Casey) Tabisz, and a mother to three daughters.
Betty earned a scholarship to Northern Illinois State Normal (teacher-training) School.
She was employed with the Chicago Public Schools starting at Ambrose Plamondon Elementary, the grade school she attended. Known as “Mrs.Tabisz” to her students, she spent the majority of her career at Edwards Elementary School where she taught first grade in Room 112.
She was a parishioner of St. Bruno’s Catholic church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, sang proudly in the choir and was a regular caller of BINGO on Friday nights.
She will be remembered for her contributions to many local community organizations. She performed in the Curie High School Performing ArtsTheater, was a long time member of the Archer Heights Civic Association and the Kiwanis Club. Gifted with the “gift of gab”, she enjoyed being a community news correspondent for the Archer Heights/West Elsdon area at the Southwest News Herald.
Her joy and energy were always focused on family and community. She loved spending time at her summer cottage where she could magically feed fifteen plus people with very little food and would fish the weekend away.
She spent her later years in Phoenix where she frequented every casino in the valley and enjoyed playing BINGO with all her dear friends at the Deer Valley Senior Center.
She is survived by her three daughters, Mary Gail Stack (James), Jane Elizabeth Koval (Jay) and Carol Tabisz-Zwiazek (Wally). Betty was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren: Kenneth Stack, Shannon Bustillos, Michael Stack, Megan Stack (deceased 1988), Carly and Casey Zwiazek. She had ten great grandchildren: James, Eddie, Andy and Liliana Bustillos, Cierra and Griffin Stack, Hailey, Blake, Carson and Dallas Stack and Easton Michael Zwiazek.
A memorial service was held in Chicago on October 10 at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632. Her final resting place will be Mount Auburn Cemetery, 4101 S Oak Park Ave, Stickney, IL 60402, Wednesday, October 9. Memorial donations may be made to the Archer Heights Civic Association for the Annual Archer Park Easter Egg Hunt, 4444 S. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60632.