Obituary of Alma Kolodziej

Alma (Smith) Kolodziej Born August 22, 1924 in Chicago, IL. to Gladys (Sandiford) and William Smith. At rest Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Lifelong resident of Joliet, IL., until moving to Braidwood, IL. in March of 2006. Survived by her children, Richard (Lois) Kolodziej and Judi Bautch. Grand-daughters, Lori (Tim) Knight and Lisa (Jim) Surges. Seven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. Also her dear "pets" Grands, Spike and Sissy. Also surviving are her dear sisters-in-law Sara Lawson, Ann Kolodziej, Beverly Kolodziej and Mary Smith. Dear friends, Elizabeth Fretty, Claire Hayen, and Manuel Campus also survive, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by her husband Theodore in 1986; her mother Gladys (Sandiford) Lawson, step-father Edwin Lawson; brothers, Willam and Richard Smith and step-brothers Theodore and Lefty Lawson. Dear friends Florence and Joseph Mateski as well as her neighbor and friend Martina Campus. Alma worked as a Nurses Aid at Silver Cross Hospital for 26 years. She also volunteered her time at St. Joseph Hospital knitting new born baby hats and lap afghans for over 10 years until ill health made it impossible for her to continue. Throughout her life she faced many health and physical limitations with the courage of a lion, refusing to give up. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and dear friend to many people. She was known for having a heart of gold. Knitting and crocheting is what kept her going and what she was known for. She loved making things for people she met throughout life. It was her way of showing them that she cared. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her. We wish to thank all of those who have showed mom kindness by visiting her, making phone calls to her and sending her cards and letters the last years of her life. They brightened her days and made her feel very loved. We shall celebrate her life and continue on with the lessons of kindness, love, and caring for everyone that she has taught us all, knowing that God has welcomed her into eternal life without any pain or illness. She is finally at rest. God Bless You Mom! In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice Home in Alma's name. She loved all who cared for her at hospice and hopes that through your donations, their very important work will continue. Alma will lie in state at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum in Romeoville on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until the services begin at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow the services. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500