Wanda Mrozek, 92, of Chicago passed away Aug. 24, 2019, in Mission Viejo, Calif., after a series of health challenges over the preceding six years.
She was born in 1927, the only daughter of Joseph and Sabina Kurczewski, Polish immigrants who also raised five sons, Ted (Leona), Ed, Art (Judy), Joe (Barb) and Wally (Elaine).
In July, 1942, she met the love of her life, Wally Mrozek, at a roller skating rink on Chicago's South Side, just a month before he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. They were married in August 1945, shortly after his honorable discharge. They enjoyed 30 years together until his passing on Christmas Eve, 1975. Hardworking and devoted parents, their passion was raising their close-knit family of four children, Don (Pat), Ernie (Diane) of Hinsdale, Mary (Bryan) Kaltenbach and Betty (Bart) Baugnet.
Wanda was universally loved and respected for her kindness, selflessness, humility, common sense and perseverance.
Special thanks to Mary and Bryan Kaltenbach for their unending love and care, as well as the staffs at Atria Woodbridge Senior Living, Coral Tree Care Agency, and Precious Home Care, all located in Orange County, Ca.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ted, Ed and Art.
Wanda is survived by her loving children; 10 grandchildren, Michelle (Bryan) Brooks, Jenny (Tom Schaughnessy) Mrozek, Carrie (Matt) Krause, Don Mrozek II, Maggie (Mark) Breeden, Matt Mrozek, Ryan McGarry, Lauren (Ben) Dickinson, Joe (Paige) Baugnet and Annie Baugnet; three step-grandchildren, Derek Kaltenbach, Ryan (Jesse) Kaltenbach and Ashley (Jay) Shafer; and eight great-grandchildren, Jasmine Mrozek, Abby and Maddie Brooks, Connor and McKenna Krause, Jack Dickinson, and Sydney and Ford Breeden.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, at Curley Funeral Home (Heeney-Laughlin Directors), 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge.
Family and friends will gather for visitation from 10 to 11 a.m Tuesday, Sept. 3, at St Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, followed by a funeral Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. with Rev Thomas McCarthy and Rev Bernie Scianna concelebrating.
Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Rita of Cascia High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620 (online at https://www.stritahs.com/donate) to provide tuition assistance for financially challenged young men desiring a quality Catholic education.
Heeney-Laughlin Funeral Directors in Chicago Ridge handled the arrangements.
