Category: Tributes

Carol Jedrys, 81, died April 10, 2026.

Anna Marie La Porte, 77, a Chicago resident, died peacefully with her family at her side.

Daniel “Dan” Phelan, a Justice resident known for his quick wit, steady hands and ability to fix almost anything — from machines to awkward silences — died April 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 77.

Franciszek Dzielski, a Polish immigrant who devoted his life to his family, died April 27, 2026. He was 89.

Betty Jean Johnson, a Bridgeview native who raised five children while building a three-decade career as an executive assistant and earned a reputation as a “neighborhood mom” to countless families, died April 28, 2026, in Joliet, Illinois. She was 79.

Geraldine “Gerry” Stiff, a Chicago-born teacher and lifelong lover of Elvis, river boats and her beloved pets, died Sunday, April 19, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. She was 83.

Marie T. Andrews, a longtime resident who raised two children and was remembered for her devotion to family, died Friday, May 1, 2026. She was 93.

Kyriaki Leftakes, a Hickory Hills resident who devoted her life to raising a large Greek family and doting on her grandchildren, died Tuesday, April 28, 2026. She was surrounded by family.

Aniela Kowalczyk, a longtime Chicago area resident, died April 25, 2026. She was 91.