Category: Tributes

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.

Darlene G. Fox died April 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Lorraine M. Topor, a talented cook and gardener who served as president of St. Rita Grammar School Bowling League, died. She was 87.

Krzysztof Nowobilski, a devoted father and grandfather, died April 11, 2026. He was 64.

Marian Maka, a devoted father and grandfather, died April 12, 2026. He was 72.

Patricia L. “Patty” Hanson died April 9, 2026. She was 88.

Stefania Sophie Kowalski, known as Stefcia, a devoted parishioner and volunteer at Saint Daniel the Prophet Church, died April 9, 2026, in Chicago. She was 77.

Helena Pawlik, a longtime Chicago area resident, died April 10, 2026. She was 89.

Ratana Attapit, a devoted mother and grandmother who volunteered for nearly two decades at Wat Dhammaram Thai Buddhist Temple, died April 9, 2026, in Elgin, Illinois. She was 80.