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Joanna Helenowska-Gittler Obituary
Joanna E. Helenowska-Gittler, beloved daughter to Adam T. Helenowski, M.D. (d. 2002) and Irena Helenowski, DDS (nee Zak; d. 2017), beloved sister to Tomasz K. Helenowski, MD (Susan), Jacek Helenowski (Marta, MD), and Irena B. Helenowski, PhD, devoted wife to the late John Gittler (d. 2009), and dearest aunt to Anna, the late Julia (d. 2013), Mark, Christopher, Eryk, Alyssa, and Luxa, passed away on January 12, 2024. A graduate of the University of Illinois – Chicago, she was a dedicated science and Polish language teacher for over thirty years who inspired countless students with her enthusiasm for biology, environmental studies, and Polish history. She was also selected to participate in NASA's elite Aerospace Education Services Project (AESP). Her family and friends will always remember her as full of life, love, eccentricity, and generosity.
Remembrance and visitation will be held at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish, 6020 W Ardmore Ave, Chicago, Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will take place at St. Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the International Crane Foundation, ATTN: Gift Processing, PO BOX 447, Baraboo WI 53913 (https://savingcranes.org/donate) in Joanna's memory.
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