Bronisława Szponar, a loving, courageous, and generous woman, was born on February 25, 1940, in Majdan Nepryski, Poland, and passed away on June 27, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.
She lived a life marked by devotion to her family, steadfast faith, and quiet strength. Bronisława carried herself with grace and resilience through the many seasons of life, and those who knew her will remember the warmth of her presence and the kindness she extended to others. Her Christian faith was an important part of her life, and it guided the way she cared for her family and met the world around her.
She was the beloved wife of Jan Szponar. Together they shared a life built on love, commitment, and mutual support. She was the cherished daughter of Ewa Gaj and Stanisław Gaj and the dear sister of Marian Gaj. Family was at the center of her heart, and she treasured the bonds that connected generations of her loved ones. She was a loving mother to Grace Garbacz and Irene Chowaniec and held a special place in the lives of her sons-in-law, Zbigniew Garbacz and Tomasz Chowaniec.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her great joy and pride. She is lovingly remembered by David Garbacz, Lindsey Garbacz, Ashley Garbacz, Matthew Chowaniec, Amy Chowaniec, Kevin Chowaniec, Samantha Chowaniec, and Isabella Swidzinski, as well as Dawid Swidzinski. She was blessed to know and cherish her great-grandchildren: Ava Garbacz, Oliver Chowaniec, Liliana Swidzinski, Estella Chowaniec, and Myles Chowaniec. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she found happiness in the growing family she helped nurture through her love and example.
Bronisława found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved cooking for her family and cherished her grandchildren, always making sure they were well fed and that no one ever left her home hungry. She also loved gardening, where she could spend time tending to the earth and watching life bloom around her. In quieter moments, she enjoyed watching the television show Koncert życzeń, a pastime that brought her comfort and pleasure. These interests reflected her appreciation for family, beauty, tradition, and the small moments that make a home feel full of life.
Those who knew Bronisława will remember her as a woman of deep compassion and unwavering courage. She met life with generosity of spirit and a loving heart, offering encouragement, care, and wisdom to those around her. Her presence brought reassurance and strength to her family, and her memory will remain a source of comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Though her passing leaves a deep sadness, Bronisława’s life stands as a lasting testament to faith, family, and devotion. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations she helped shape. Her memory will be cherished always by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who were touched by her kindness.
May Bronisława Szponar be remembered with love and gratitude for the beautiful life she lived and the many hearts she warmed along the way.
Visitation: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Ave., Justice, Illinois.
Funeral: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 9 a.m. Prayers and procession to begin from the funeral home to Saint Blase Church (Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish), 6101 S. 75th Ave., Summit, Illinois, for 10 a.m. Mass.
Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois.