Author Archives: News Desk

Sandra “Sandy” Ramona Velesovsky, who managed Stan’s Drive-In, a family restaurant known for its soups and burgers in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, died April 6, 2026, in Chicago with her family at her side. She was 83.

Anne Lavern Jachim, a culinary arts professor at Moraine Valley Community College, died March 4, 2026, in Palos Hills, Illinois, surrounded by family. She was 80.

Julia “Jay” A. Wojciechowicz, known as Aunti Jay, a lifelong Argo resident and athlete who worked at Ace Hardware for more than 50 years, died April 23, 2026, at her home. She was 102.

Bronislawa Komperda, a devoted mother and grandmother who immigrated from Poland to build a better life for her family, died April 24, 2026. She was 93.

Surapol “Paul” Tantayakom, a physicist who immigrated from Thailand and worked as a technician at the University of Illinois-Chicago, died April 20, 2026, at his home in Tinley Park, Illinois, surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was 78. The cause was a long illness.

Robert William Ropa, a former Chicago firefighter and banking executive who worked as a volunteer tax preparer for decades, died April 16, 2026, in Palos Heights, Illinois. He was 84. The cause was kidney failure following a lengthy hospital stay.

Frances Haugh, an avid reader and active member of the Association of Late Deafened Adults, died April 20, 2026, with her family at her side. She was 97.