Wanda Korzenko, nee Olejnik
Services
Obituary
Wanda Olejnik Korzenko, a resident of LaGrange Park, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2016. A Polish national, she was born on March 9, 1929. Fluent in Polish and English while literate in Russian and German, her four languages echoed her history of 87 years. Her childhood spanned a happy pre-war family life in Poland where mushroom and berry picking were her joys. WWII found her at first, occupied by Soviet forces then taken into a forced labor program on a German farm. She met Mitchel Korzenko, her husband of 69 years, soon after the war. They married and became British residents residing first in Glasgow, Scotland and then migrating to Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire in England where they started a family. In 1956, they immigrated to the United States where they proudly became citizens.
To say that Wanda and Mitch loved to dance is an understatement. They frequented Polish Veteran dances regularly in the early years where good food, animated conversations and current fashion were a given. She was always a helping hand to those in need, could put on a feast at a moment’s notice, and kept her family in high style by sewing entire wardrobes. In later years, she became a social member of the Polish National Alliance #17 as well as a former comptroller and member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the 2nd Post of Polish Veterans. For the last 20 years, she faithfully became the “eyes” of her husband who had become blind.
To honor her life, she leaves behind a grateful daughter, Teresa (Fred) Wlodarski of Orono, ME; two grandchildren, Amy Lynn (Jeremy Ball) Wlodarski of Carlisle, PA and Jennifer Ann (Michael Stahler) Wlodarski of Salt Lake City, UT. Her treasures were her great grandchildren, Maia Stahler, Benjamin Ball, and Eleanor Ball.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 19, 2016, from 3p.m. to 8p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street in Brookfield, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at St. Louise de Marillac Church in LaGrange Park on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 10a.m. followed by Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Louise de Marillac’s Saint Vincent de Paul Society, 1144 Harrison, La Grange Park, IL 60526 in Wanda Korzenko’s memory. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
To say that Wanda and Mitch loved to dance is an understatement. They frequented Polish Veteran dances regularly in the early years where good food, animated conversations and current fashion were a given. She was always a helping hand to those in need, could put on a feast at a moment’s notice, and kept her family in high style by sewing entire wardrobes. In later years, she became a social member of the Polish National Alliance #17 as well as a former comptroller and member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the 2nd Post of Polish Veterans. For the last 20 years, she faithfully became the “eyes” of her husband who had become blind.
To honor her life, she leaves behind a grateful daughter, Teresa (Fred) Wlodarski of Orono, ME; two grandchildren, Amy Lynn (Jeremy Ball) Wlodarski of Carlisle, PA and Jennifer Ann (Michael Stahler) Wlodarski of Salt Lake City, UT. Her treasures were her great grandchildren, Maia Stahler, Benjamin Ball, and Eleanor Ball.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 19, 2016, from 3p.m. to 8p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street in Brookfield, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at St. Louise de Marillac Church in LaGrange Park on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 10a.m. followed by Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Louise de Marillac’s Saint Vincent de Paul Society, 1144 Harrison, La Grange Park, IL 60526 in Wanda Korzenko’s memory. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com