The 102-year-old Wolniak Funeral Home has served generations of families throughout the years. Sitting on the southwest corner of 57th and Pulaski, the Polish Funeral Home is reaching out with what they are calling a “legacy of love to the community.”
Respecting the traditions and heritage of the Hispanic members of the community, the folks at Wolniak have set up a large Dia de los Muertos ofrenda or Day of the Dead altar. Day of the Dead is celebrated Nov. 1-2. Though it is an extensive altar, it is actually more of a room they have dedicated to this special time.
Visitors can enter through the front door and turn to the left. Then walk into an alcove that has been transformed into an intimate setting. While the altar takes up most of one wall, the staff made sure to incorporate a comfortable sitting area which invites visitors to ponder and reflect.
Assembled on the altar are all of the components one has found for centuries on an ofrenda. The age-old belief is that the souls of the deceased return during this time and the items are meant to both welcome them, like the Mexican breads and drinks, and also assist them on their journey. The latter is represented by things like the marigolds, which have a sweet aroma that guides the spirits; candles to light their path; the papel picado (perforated paper flags), which allow the souls to travel through their perforated holes for a visit. Sugar skulls sit sporadically denoting death and rebirth.
Amid the traditional items placed on the altar, the staff has included picture frames that will be filled with photos of the deceased members of the families that have entrusted Wolniak to assist them in laying their loved ones to rest.
On the top level of the altar sits a photo of Leonard Wolniak Sr. and his wife Anna, who began their funeral business over a century ago in 1922. That was back when funeral services were held in the home of the deceased. Their original chapel was located at 4604 S. Wolcott. In 1953, they broke ground for their current location on Pulaski Road. It opened in 1957.
If, over the years, a member of your family has rested at Wolniak, their photo is most welcome on the altar. 4 x 6-inch frames are provided. If it is an original, they can scan your photo so you will be able to take home your original. If you have any questions, feel free to call the funeral home at 773-767-4500.
Leaving the alcove of the Dia de los Muertos, one is treated to the incarnation of two of the original stained-glass windows, which were a part of the former Sacred Heart Church that was once located across the street from the original Wolniak site on 46th and Wolcott.
And on the way out, sitting in the hallway is a plaque which reminds us:
“They whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now…. wherever we are.” – St. John Chrysostom.