JAMES W. BRINKLEY

James W. Brinkley, 91, of Palos Hills died on August 23, 2024.

He was an Army veteran.

He was born on January 25, 1933, in McKenzie, Tennessee, to Jessie and Lou Gertie Duke Brinkley.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (nee Swift) of 68 years; loving father of David (Tracy) Brinkley, Darlene (Jeff) Twaragowski and Stephen Brinkley; proud grandfather to Charles (Carrie), Timothy, and LeighAnne (Ted); great grandfather of Nathan, Devyn and Sophia Twaragowski, Arianna Brinkley and Jameson Voss.

He was proceeded in death by his three older brothers.

James was strong, quiet and kindhearted. A loyal and devoted family man. A rock in every storm who picked us up when we were down.

He was hard-working during his years at Western Electric and AT&T.

James loved nature and being outdoors, he was an avid reader and a man of many talents.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. He leaves us with many beautiful memories and stories to carry on his legacy.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial visitation August 30 at 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Interment Fairmont Willow Hills Cemetery.

CHRISTINE M. CUCCI

Christine Marie (nee Bell) Cucci, 69, of Oak Lawn, passed away on the morning of August 14, 2024.

She was born on March 3, 1955.

When she was 22 months old, she was adopted from Patras, Greece, by Marie (Sabo) and Jack W. Bell.

Chris is survived by her brother, Stephen; her daughters, Tina (Raymond) and Suzzie; and her grandchildren, Mary, Alexander, and Angelo; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her favorite social pastimes included talking with her girlfriends over a cup of coffee, making lifelong friends anywhere she went, taking her kids to the playground, driving to her local errand spots, volunteering at PTA functions, and dancing with her husband at weddings or her church’s hall events. She also enjoyed simply texting, from a flip-phone, just the word, “Love.”

She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her long-time husband, Artie; dear one Father John Duranko; and many family and friends whom she loved so dearly.

Her caregiving career began at Rest Haven in the 1970s. She later became a phlebotomist at Palos Community Hospital, where she thrived for over 45 years. Chris has been well-remembered by Palos staff for her fast-paced walk, providing delicious Breadsmith to her co-workers, and going that extra mile for all patients she saw.

Always with her WBBM news station on, a daily crossword puzzle in progress, she loved relaxing on her front porch while looking at the flowers in her safe haven, and drinking her McDonald’s coffee. Chris loved feeding birds and nature, and cared for all animals. She also enjoyed when she could keep a solid garden, and loved sharing the fruits of her labor.

Chris absolutely loved becoming a mother. She loved zoo trips, nature hikes, playgrounds, and recitals with Tina and Suzzie.

In recent years, she lived for her children as well as her grandchildren. Most memorably making up special songs for her granddaughter Mary, Chris was always the true spirit of Mary Poppins to all children whom she loved. She enjoyed walking alongside her grandson Alex to school. She was always excited to surprise her grandson Angelo with the latest Hot Wheels race cars. They each will not soon forget their grandma always handing them plastic baggies full of change for their piggy-banks.

Services were held at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home,11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

JOHN JASULAITIS

John P. Jasulaitis, 64, of Crestwood, died peacefully on August 8, 2024, after suffering a stroke and enduring a brief illness.

He was Army veteran and served as a military police officer while stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Bambert, Germany.

John was preceded in death by his parents Ona (Prapoulenis) and Petras Jasulaitis, both of whom were born in Lithuania. He is survived by his beloved sister Irene, friends and acquaintances, and family members in Lithuania.

(Jonas) was born and raised in Chicago where he went to school and lived most of his life.  He recently resided in Crestwood.

Afterwards, he worked as a security guard at the CNA building in downtown Chicago.

He was the long-time partner, loving and patient caregiver of Debra Balandis.

In his youth, John was a member of the Lithuanian Sea Scouts.  He appreciated nature and loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed fishing and boating, especially while on the Wisconsin River. He liked sports and was an avid Chicago Bears fan.

John was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors, and consequently was loved and appreciated by many who lived close to him.  John was gentle, kind, fun-loving, and strong spirited.  He was a good friend to all and will be remembered lovingly.

Services were held at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11029 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment private.

JULIE M. JAWORSKI

Julie M. Jaworski, 70, died August 19, 2024.

She was the loving daughter of Elizabeth (Betty) and the late Alex Jaworski, dearest sister of Mary (the late Jeff) Hardesty, Michele (TI) Neighbors, Janine (Mark) Smolenski, Denise (Bill) Smith and Diane Jaworski. Fond aunt of Heather Herman, Jennifer (Will) Hayakawa, Greg (Andrea) and Tim (Sarah) Neighbors, Aaron Smolenski and Beth (Ashwin) Sivam and great aunt of 12. Also survived by numerous cousins.

Julie was a generous and accomplished soul who truly loved her family, friends, music, nature and especially the family’s pets.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tender Loving Care Animal Shelter in Homer Glen would be appreciated.

Services were held at Palos Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Interment private.

ADAN HERRERA MAGAÑA

Adan Herrera Magaña who was born on November 1, 1954, passed away on August 3, 2024, at the age of 69.

Visitation was held August 8 at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave.  Jonathan Siedlecki owner-director.  Funeral service was celebrated the same day at the funeral home. Cremation Private.

SANDRA PAWINSKI

Sandra Pawinski who was born on July 27, 1944, passed away on August 2, 2024, at the age of 80.

Visitation was held August 7 at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave. Jonathan Siedlecki owner-director. Funeral Mass was celebrated August 8 at St. Mary Star of the Sea.  Sandra was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.

JAMES HENRY ROGGE

James Henry Rogge, 89.

He was an Army veteran.

Beloved husband of Carolyn (nee Gracious).  Devoted father of Robert (Linda) and Patricia Lynn (Dwight) Knapp. Loving grandfather of Mitchell, Michael and Kayla.  Dear brother Gerald (Barbara), Evelyn (the late Edward) McDonald and the late Mary Ann, Gertrude, Dorothy, Charles and Phyllis.  Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Many years of service with General Electric.

Inurnment St. Casimir Lithuanian Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.

JULIA SMILGA

Julia Smilga, 102, of Chicago, died on Friday, August 16, 2024 in her home.

She was born on June 23, 1922, in Taurage, Lithuania.

Julia was the daughter of the late Kazimieras and the late Liuda (Mankute) Butkus, the sister of the late Rev. Alfonsas and the late Zigmas Butkus, the wife of the late Dr. Zigmas Smilga, sister-in-law of the late Rev. Dr. Zenonas Smilga and the late Sofija Putramentas, the mother of Maria, Julius (wife Sonja), the late infant Tommy, and Ramona Bardauskas (husband Tom). Survivors include her children, grandchildren Tatiana, Richard and Erik (wife Maggie) and greatgrandchild William, other relatives in America and Lithuania.

Julia graduated from high school in 1940. In the fall of 1944, together with her brother, Alfonsas, they rode their bicycles across the border as the Russian Army was approaching.

After the war, she had the opportunity to study, get married, and graduate in 1950 with a degree in dentistry from the Maximilian University in Munich, Germany.

She and her husband emigrated to America and made their home in Chicago, where they raised a family.

In 1969, Julia received a diploma/certificate qualifying her as a Montessori teacher.

At one time, she belonged to the Lithuanian Dental Association of Chicago, the Association “Gaja,” the Lithuanian Folk Arts Institute, Daughters of Lithuania, American Lithuanian Roman Catholic Women’s Association, Supporters of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.

She prayed the Rosary daily.

Services were held at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.  Interment St. Casimir Lithuanian Catholic Cemetery.

VICTORIANO VILLA

Victoriano Villa passed away peacefully on Friday evening, August 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the loving and devoted husband for 40 years to the love of his life, Lucia Villa; beloved father of Rafeal (Rosie), Rene, Juan (Shirley), Valentin (Jessica), Ivan, David, Adriana and the late Noelia; cherished grandfather of, Daniel, Diego, Juan Daniel, Angel, Elyssa, Jaiden and Josiah; dear brother of Bonifacio, Leova, Emereniciana, Teodoro and Paubla. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Victoriano was an honest, hardworking, quiet man whose actions spoke louder than words. His pride and joy were his grandchildren whom he was so proud of and loved dearly.  The love lessons he taught his children and grandchildren will be with them forever.

Visitation was held August 21 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home August 22 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Blasé Church for mass. Victoriano was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.

HENRIETTA “HOLLY” WNEK

Henrietta “Holly” Wnek, the Hallmark Lady, peacefully passed away at home the morning of August 21, 2024.

Cherished and beloved mother of Martin Kosiek and Lynette Kosiek; much loved sister of Donna, Daniel (Teri) and the late Ronald; dear aunt of Ed (Nikki), Jeff (Hannah), David (Sarah), Crystal, Amanda and others. Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Genevieve Wnek. Holly was an avid dancer for decades at Willowbrook Ballroom. She loved gardening, working in her yard and loved her dogs, Fritz, Petey, Gizmo and Cosmo.

Visitation was held August 25 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). A Service for Holly was held at the funeral home.

RAMIRO ZEPEDA

Ramiro Zepeda passed away peacefully at home Tuesday morning, August 20, 2024, with his loving wife, Francisca at his side.

He was the beloved father of Ramiro Jr.  and Mariano Zepeda; proud grandfather of Ramiro Enrique, Isabella Marie, Esmeralda and Mateo Zepeda; dear brother of Joseluis (Erika) Zepeda, Olivia Zepeda (Rafael), Guillermo (Juana) Zepeda, Guadalupe Zepeda (Alvaro), Maria Lourdes Zepeda (Lino), Vicente (Tilde) Zepeda, the late Griselda Zepeda (Gregorio), Margarita Zepeda (Gabriel), Yolanda Zepeda (Edwardo) and Juan Antonio Zepeda. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends met on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Blasé Church (Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish) for a Mass of Resurrection for Ramiro. After mass there was a procession to Foran Funeral Home where visitation took place. Per his request Ramiro will be cremated and his cremains will be entombed in a niche at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.