Chicago Sun-Times

Grabarek, Stephanie

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Age 97 of Lansing, IL, formerly of South Chicago and Dolton, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2018. She was born December 17, 1920 in Gary, IN, and was raised in New Chicago, IN. She is survived by her children, Stan (Julie), Jim, Joe (Kathy), Ken, and Eileen (John); grandchild­ren, Lisa (Terry), Justin (April), Jamie (Kelly), Caitlin, Christoph (Molly), Lara (Matthew), David, Brandin, and Stephen; and greatgrand­children, Alyssa (Joshua), Brent, Carley, Bradley, Lily Ann, Jack, Marc, Lukas, Tristan, Livia, Aengus, Pixie, Dylan, Carson, Preston, Abbott, Bowen, and Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; parents, John and Zofia; brothers, John, Joe, and Carl; sister, Stella; grandmothe­r, Marya; uncle, Gustov; aunt, Stanislowa; daughter-in-law, Christa; and her beloved granddaugh­ters, Valerie and Donna.

Stephanie held many jobs in her life, working as a domestic at age fourteen, at Bear Brand Hosiery factory in Gary, Curtis Candy Co. (Butterfing­ers), Richie’s Box Factory, Austenal, R.R Donnelly, and various waitress positions. For 25 years, Stephanie and her husband Joseph took care of their granddaugh­ter, Donna, who was a special child born with physical and mental handicaps. They drove her to New Hope School, then Blue Cap School, and took care of her before and after school until Joe’s health declined. She considered this a labor of love.

Stephanie enjoyed bingo, especially the Sunday games at the Knights of Columbus with her friends, Kathy, Nancy, and Mimi. She spent decades picking up lady friends and driving to the bingo’s in Gary, but outlived two groups of friends.After a triple by-pass surgery at age 86, Stephanie started to attend exercise classes at the South Holland recreation center, and walked three times a week until age 92. She enjoyed the company of the ladies in the class, and her current teacher Dyann.

Her annual trips to Las Vegas with her husband were cherished, and she had fond memories of three trips to Hawaii. Her trip to meet her brother John and sister-in-law Shirley in Hawaii was much talked about. For the last ten years, annual trips to Disney World were relished, especially her stays at the Grand Floridian, where she became friends with the hotel greeter, Richard, who passed away this year. Trips on her birthday to Disney were especially enjoyed. It’s a Small World After All! Stephanie also loved the friends and camaraderi­e she shared during her days in the St. Ann’s Senior Club.

A memorial Mass for Stephanie will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL with Fr. Mark Kalema officiatin­g. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Stephanie’s name to the charity of your choice. www.schroederl­auer.com

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