Arline Francesca Plechaty, nee Fudell, 94, of Brookfield, Wis., formerly of Western Springs and Burr Ridge, passed away Aug. 2, 2021, with her daughter at her side.
Born in 1926 in Berwyn to Walter and Frances Fudell, nee Winiecki, Arline’s childhood spanned the Great Depression and she came of age during World War II. The importance of her Catholic faith was established early on, and she often spoke of the sacrifices made by her parents, as well as generosity of others, that made parochial school possible for her. She always felt blessed to be one of the original parish families at the founding of St. John of the Cross in Western Springs in 1960.
Arline met Robert R. Plechaty in high school and they married in 1947 following his return from duty overseas, beginning a partnership that spanned 60 years until his death in 2007.
Arline and Robert shared a life together in Western Springs and then in Burr Ridge, raising their children and supporting each other as Robert built a business that Arline was so proud to see continue successfully under the second and third generation of family leadership. Arline loved bowling, ceramics, playing cards with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, shopping, winning at bingo and spending time making memories with her friends.
Arline was welcomed and supported during her final chapter by many precious friends and caregivers at Congregational Home in Brookfield, Wis., where she made her home in 2016. Those who loved her knew Arline as Arlina, Auntie Ar, Grandma Arline and Francesca, and all will treasure their many memories of the time spent together and the wonderful impact she had on each of their lives.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Delores (Ed) Jurcy and Rita (William) Barnes.
She is survived by her three children, Robert M. (Joyce) Plechaty, Mark W. (Rosalie) Plechaty and Rebecca A. (Kevin) Howley; her grandchildren, R. Corby (Cori) Plechaty, Rhoby VanDerLip, Kate (Desi) Alejos, Colin (Nicole Nelson) Plechaty, Connor (Caitie) Howley and Brian (Machaela) Howley; her great-grandchildren. Carlie Plechaty, Caylie Plechaty, Riley VanDerLip, Randall VanDerLip, Felix Alejos, Ruby Alejos, Silas Alejos, Warren Howley, Graham Howley and Kieran Howley; her great-great-children, Jax Theriault and Madelyn Elly Wolf; her niece and goddaughter, Patricia (Tom) Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be said at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at St. John of the Cross, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs. Memorials may be made to St. John of the Cross Parish, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558; Congregational Home, 13900 W. Burleigh Road, Brookfield, WI 53005; or Legacy Hospice, 850 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122.
Sullivan Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
