Stella Zajakala, of Naperville and formerly of Peotone, passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Residence, on February 8, 2024. Born February 1, 1929, in Chicago, she was the fourth of five girls born to Peter and Sophie Krakowski.
Stella was the beloved wife of the late John Zajakala and the mother of five: Christine (Mike) Peterson – deceased, Barbara (Tom) Wenzel, Annette (Joe) Sullivan, Marya Zajakala, and David (Mary) Zajakala; and loving grandmother of nine, Sophie and Andrew Peterson, Peter and Matthew Wenzel, Elizabeth (Matt) Korgstad, Patrick and Mark Sullivan, and Allison and John Zajakala.
Stella loved being a wife, mom, and grandma, along with her Catholic Faith. She enjoyed reading, gardening, her orchid plants, feeding the birds, and every dog that was part of the family.
Stella and John lived in Peotone and were active parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for many years. She spent the past five years joyfully living at St. Patrick’s Residence in Naperville, where the Carmelite Sisters, staff, and residents became her second family. She loved them all. Stella will be missed by her family and many at St. Patrick’s.
Services at St. Patrick’s Residence were held on February 23. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Stella’s name to St. Patrick’s Residence online at: https://www.stpatricksresidence.org/donate-faith-based-charities-in-naperville-il/ or by mail at Development Department, St. Patrick’s Residence Nursing and Rehabilitation, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563.