Obituaries February 9, 2023
KARIME BALDERAS
Karime Balderas, age 22, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away unexpectedly January 22.
She was the cherished daughter of Daisy Balderas and Ramiro Cazares; loving sister of Alexis Balderas and David Cazares; adored aunt of Jaelynn; much loved granddaughter of Miguel and the late Francisca Martinez and Hermenlida and Santiago Cazares; beloved niece of Irma (Edward) Cheverre, Miguel (Marie) Martinez, Velma Martinez and Jeanette (Armando) Martinez, Victor Cazares, Javier (Veronica) Cazares, Jose (Raquel) Cazares and Armando Cazares.
Visitation was held January 27 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Avenue (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 28 until time of Prayers. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. Procession from the church to Resurrection Cemetery where Karime was buried next to her dear grandmother. Condolences may be sent to Karime’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
BARBARA A. FORESTER
Barbara A. Forester (nee Scott), age 69, passed away January 2.
Beloved wife of the late Michael E. Forester; loving mother of Charlotte (Tim) Torrez and Rebecca Forester (Bill Elvidge); dearest grandmother of Annalia Torrez, Arianna Torrez and Aleena Torrez; cherished daughter of the late Maryann (nee Naczek) and the late Howard Scott; dear sister of Patrick (Nancy) Scott and the late Maureen (the late Charles) Barten. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In memory of Barbara, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Cremation rites and services held privately. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JOHN A. GENTILE
John A. Gentile, age 60, passed away January 25.
Beloved husband of Della (nee LaRocco); loving father of Theresa Marie Gentile and Tina Marie Gentile; loving grandfather of Analise Marie and Trinity; dear brother of Thomas (late Susan) Gentile; dear nephew to Mary Trotta. Fond uncle of many. John was a retired foreman for the City of Chicago, Department of Streets & Sanitation.
A Memorial Mass was held February 7 at Our Lady of the Snows Church, 48th & Laramie, Chicago. For more information please call 773-767-1840.
MARGARITA HERNANDEZ
Margarita Hernandez (nee Aguilar), age 85, passed away December 14, 2022.
Beloved wife of the late Eutiquio Hernandez Ramos; loving mother of Vicente Hernandez, Aurora Hernandez, Rosa Fernandez, Bertha, Rodolfo and Josue Juarez; dearest grandmother of Noah and Leah Fernandez; Luis, Fernando and Esmeralda Hernandez; Mariana, Paulino, Joshua, Valentina, Vanessa, Vanika and Violet Juarez, Noemi and Mario Ortiz; Eduardo, Armando, Aurora, Yolanda and Arturo Santoyo and the late Javier Santoyo; Marco and Juanita Tamayo; dearest great-grandmother of Jaime and Victor Almaraz; Nathaniel Benites; Julian Chavez; Yadiro Facio; Andres and Axel Guzman; Alicia and Chelsea Juarez; Jason, Alben, Samantha and Flavio Martinez; Dominico and D’Angelo Rojas; Giovanni Santoyo; Cyan Smith; Kassandra, Angel, Bianca, Alexander, Antonio, Aaron, Anabelle, Aiden, Adam, Allen, Delanie, Adrielle, Alonzo and Arielle Tamayo; dearest great-great-grandmother of Angela and Daniel Almaraz; Angel Tamayo; dear sister of Cristina, Francisco, Oscar, Ernesto Aguilar and the late Sergio Aguilar; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews including Guadalupe Blanco and David Aguilar.
Memorial Visitation was held January 28 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., corner of Keeler. 773-767-2166 or www.zarzyckimanorchapels.com.
VIVIAN MARIE HYNES, ROBERT W. HYNES
Vivian Marie Hynes, 89, of Palos Hills, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family the morning of February 3. Her dear husband, Robert, 91, passed away two days later on February 5, also surrounded by his loving family.
They are survived by their son Mark, daughter Vicki and her husband Bill and granddaughter Braxton. Robert is also survived by his younger brother Larry and sister Delores Mercier.
He was a Michigan State Spartan Big 10 swimming champion and one of Chicago’s most enthusiastic sport fans.
Robert and Vivian enjoyed their “Hummer’s Hideaway” in Michigan, for many memorable and enjoyable years.
Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Visitation on Monday, February 13, at 10 a.m. until time of Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Palos Hills. Interment will be private at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
ELSIE G. KABZA
Elsie G. Kabza (nee Pokusa); age 96, of Plainfield, formerly of Chicago, West Lawn community, passed away January 21.
Beloved wife of the late Edward Kabza; loving mother of Charmaine (David) Black; dear sister of the late Clare (late Rudolph) Slowik, late Edward (late Lee) Pokusa, late Chester Pokusa and the late Emily (late Leo) Roth; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held January 27 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8899 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held January 28 from the funeral home to SS Cyril & Methodius Church for Mass. Entombment Resurrection Community Mausoleum. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
MARY LOU LEONE
Mary Lou Leone (nee Swalwell), age 75, passed away January 21.
Beloved wife to Nicholas for 56 years; loving mother of Joseph (Christine) Leone and Lynette (Denis) Lawlor; loving grandmother of Nicholas (Megan), Alex (Rebecca), Katie, Devin and the late Lauren. Dear sister of the late Sue and the late Marge.
Visitation was held January 24 and January 25 until the time of funeral services at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (Corner of Lorel) Chicago. For more information please call 773-767-1840.
JOHN C. MAES
John C. Maes, 87, of Chicago, passed away on February 2.
He was the beloved husband of Cynthia nee Kolbus Spajda. He was preceded in death by his first wife Georgenia nee Filipiak, and preceded in death by his parents and brother Leonard T. Maes and his wife Geraldine. He is survived by his sister Kathleen Maes, Patricia (Gene) Smith and Christine (Gerald) Ansier, and loving, generous and supportive nephew Charles and his wife Pam Maes and several other nephews, nieces and cousins.
After graduation from St. Rita High School, he went to work for AT&T. He was drafted into the Army and served his country in Germany and during the Cuban missile crisis.
Jack loved golf, hunting and was an avid fisherman.
Family and friends will gather for visitation at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Interment private.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
ELLEN MARY McGOLDRICK
Ellen Mary McGoldrick, age 94, of Chicago, West Elsdon community, passed away January 29.
Daughter of Jerry and Margaret Twomey; loving sister to Margaret (Pat Healy), Patrick (Mary Agnes), Julia (John Naughton), Michael, John (Margaret), Jerry (Mary), Timothy (Rose), Hugh (Celia), Noreen (Sean Hedderman), Daniel (Breda) and Mary. All of whom preceded her in death. Wife to Joseph McGoldrick devoted until his death. Mother of John, Patrick, Michael, Jerry, Kevin, and Mary; beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. Member of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish.
Funeral was held February 3 from the Wolniak Funeral Home, 5700 S. Pulaski Rd., to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church for Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation was held Febraury 2. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Special Olympics, 2 E. 8th St., Chicago, IL 60605. Funeral Info: 773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com.
DOROTHY A. MILLER
Dorothy A. Miller (nee Wood), age 95, passed away January 22.
Beloved wife of the late Roy K. Miller; loving mother of Roy A. (Debra Berls) and the late Carolyn (late Charles) Williams; dear grandmother of Wesley (Annamarie) Davies, Melissa (Josh) Carter, Amanda (Aaron) McCombs and Stephanie (Bryan, fiance) Busic; great grandmother of Kaitlyn, Evan, Ryker, Roland, Adyson, Everett, Ethan and Liam. Dorothy is preceded in death by her five siblings. Fond aunt of many.
Visitation was held January 28 until the time of the funeral service at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (Corner of Lorel) Chicago. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery. For more information please call 773-767-1840.
JOHN ROBERT SANTIAGO
John Robert Santiago, age 72, of Chicago, South Lawndale community, passed away January 20. Proud Marine Veteran Vietnam War.
He was the beloved son of the late Juan and late Ruth May Santiago; proud father and grandfather to his daughter, Noel and her children; cherished brother of Arthur Santiago, Frank Santiago, May Santiago, Rochelle Santiago, Joanne (Tony) Liace, Daniel (Anita) Santiago and the late James Santiago; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. Former spouse of Pamela Coronado. John Robert will be remembered with much love and respect by his many Marine “Brothers In Arms” and his many friends.
Visitation was held January 29 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home January 30 until time of Service in Celebration of John Robert’s Life with Military Honors. Condolences may be sent to John’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
MARIA N SANTILLANES-ALBARES
Maria N Santillanes-Albares, age 76, passed away January 15.
Arrangements and visitation were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Director, Owner. Chapel Service was held at Funeral Home. Final resting place Eden Memorial Park, Schiller Park. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
ANNETTE M. SIMCOE
Annette M. Simcoe (nee Michet), 98, of Palos Hills, passed away on February 1.
She was the beloved wife of the late Edward Simcoe for 57 years. Cherished daughter of the late Victor and Mary Michet. Loving mother of Mary Ann Simcoe, Thomas (Jean) Simcoe, Barbara (late Lee Murray) Simcoe, Bernadette Simcoe, and Joan Szymko; cherished grandmother of Matthew (Ann) Simcoe, Margaret (Justin) Waite, Daniel (Ellie) Simcoe, and Alice Simcoe-Matthews; dear great-grandmother of Winona, Beatrix, Charlotte, Nora, and Jack; loving sister to late Victor (late Dora) Michet, Dr. Clement (late Marion) Michet, Dr. Lawrence (late Marianne) Michet, Helen Michet; beloved aunt of 15 nieces and nephews.
She was a registered nurse. She was a graduate of St. Agnes school in Brighton Park, Lourdes High School, St. Anthony de Padua Hospital School of Nursing. Eucharistic minister and minister of care for many years at Sacred Heart Church in Palos Hills. Big Chicago Cubs fan who loved reading, playing her keyboard; member of ACCW and Sacred Heart Parish Fun Club. Resident of Franciscan Village in Lemont for the last two years.
Visitation was held on February 5 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Funeral was February 6 from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church in Palos Hills. Interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, P.O. Box 7154, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7154 or visit www.catholiccharities.net would be appreciated.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
JOHN C. SROKA
John C. Sroka, age 66, passed away January 8.
Beloved husband of Gail (nee Helm) Sroka; loving dad of Michael Sroka, Thomas Sroka, Joseph (Megan) Sroka and William Sroka; dearest papa of Jonathan Sroka, Christopher Sroka and Bella Sroka; cherished son of the late Laverne (nee Cholewa) and the late Chester Sroka; dear brother of Bruce (Cindy) Sroka, Tracie Sroka, Roger Sroka and Kelly (Richard) Smith; fond brother-in-law of Phyllis and Dennis Sobcak and Sue and Tom Rademacher. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions to Wright-Way Rescue, 5915 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove, Illinois 60053 are much appreciated. Visitation was held January 12 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held January 13, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Patricia Church, 9040 S. 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills for Mass. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
HELENA “MARIA” STEKALA
Helena “Maria” Stekala (nee Pabin), age 66, passed away January 6.
Beloved wife for 44 years of Wladyslaw Stekala; loving mother of Malgorzata Stekala (Adam Kalinowski), Bozena (Wojciech) Takuski, Jadwiga Stekala and Daniel (Roksana) Stekala; dearest grandma of Angelina Stekala, Zoey Stekala, Diana Takuski, Erik Takuski, Kevin Takuski, Lidia Kalinowski and Nadia Kalinowski; cherished daughter of the late Katarzyna (nee Mietus) and the late Jozef Pabin; fond sister of the late Aniela Ciborek, the late Franciszek Pabin and Jozef Pabin; dear daughter-in-law of the late Anna and the late Jan Stekala. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Visitation was held January 11 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held January 12, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Blase Church (Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish), 6101 S. 75th Avenue, Summit for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
DIANA A. ZEPEDA
Diana A. Zepeda (nee Bates), age 58, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully at home January 23, with her loving family at her side.
She was the beloved wife of Jose Zepeda; cherished mother of Christopher Zepeda, Jennifer (Alexander) Fuller and Jaclyn (Matthew) Klomp; much loved grandmother of Caleb and Dillon Klomp, Sebastian Zepeda and Zaedyn Fuller; dear sister of Cynthia Bates (Daniel) Degnan and Liza Bates (John) Degnan. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held January 26 at St. Daniel the Prophet Church. Mass followed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Diana’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org Condolences may be sent to Diana’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
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