Florence Sobolewski Obituary

Sobolewski, Florence K. Aunt Floss died February 17,2016. She was born Florence Joan Kus on November 15, 1921, and was the last surviving member of her family's elder generation. Predeceased by all of the following: sister, Estelle (Jack) Simon, and their sons, Johnny and Gregory; brother, Ben S. (Florence) Kus, and their daughter, Judy (Dennis) Tomczyk; sister, Helen T. (John A.) Druska; brother, Joseph B. (Rita) Kus. She is survived by three nephews, two nieces, and their spouses, John (Marge) Druska; Marlene (Russell) Fawkes; Ben (Laurie) Kus; Robert (Laura) Kus; Robin (Edward) Gronowski; as well as by their families. Children of Johnny Simon and Judy Tomczyk also survive her; as do several cousins. A devoted daughter of the late Stanislaw and Genowefa (nee Wincek), Florence grew up in South Lawndale (St. Casimir and its offspring St. Roman parish). She married World War II veteran, Edmund Sobolewski, who shared her birthdate, and they soon settled, in the 1950s, on Timber Trails Road in unincorporated Downers Grove. Edmund died unexpectedly in the early 1970s; with some help from her brother, Joe--another early Downers transplant---Florence maintained the homestead for another quarter cenrury or so, enjoying frequent roadside walks and trips to the Tivoli with her dear neighbor and friend, Mrs. Meck. Later she lived in Westmont, and more recently in Clarendon Hills, at The Birches Assisted Living home, where many of her last months were spent under St. Thomas Hospice care. An employee of Western Electric (Illinois Bell/A.T.&T.) for nearly four decades, she faced down her share of gender discrimination and prided herself in the strength she derived from her middle name, Joan, emulating the stubborn virtue of St. Joan of Arc. Florence was a longtime member of the Polish Women's Alliance of America and enjoyed playing miniature golf at Lost Mountain, even while wearing high heels. Visitation for one hour prior to her 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Cass Avenue in Westmont, Wednesday, February 24. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. (Arrangements by Otto V. Stransky & Son, 773-778-0700).