Obituary of Alice Wieclaw

Alice C. Wieclaw (Butera) March 26, 1945 - October 22, 2007 The Lord finally ended her suffering after a long, courageous and painful battle with cancer. She died peacefully, while surrounded by her family and friends. Alice was met and welcomed at the pearly gates by the angels, her "little sweetheart", mother Alice Butera, father Joseph Butera, brother Earl Kislowski, sister-in-law, Geri Kislowski, aunt Virginia,uncle Bill and nephew Eric Dvorak; along with numerous other friends and relatives. Left behind to honor her memory and make her proud are her brother, Frank Butera; daughters, Kellie (Ken) Groetsema, and Rhonda (Jerry) Bisset; son, Joe (Nikki) Wieclaw; grandchildren, Adrianna, Jackson, Alyssa, Drew and Trenton; nieces, Cheryl, and Christy (Don) Alexander and Emmarie; best friend, Shirley Catalanello; and beloved companion, her chocolate lab, Otis. Alice was a fighter, and never gave up hope. Even on her worst days, she always had a smile and reassuring word, she never complained or felt sorry for herself. Her favorite song was "When the Going Gets Tough" by Rodney Adkins, and that is how she approached her battle with this horrible disease, she "kept on goin". Her strength and positive attitude have been both a testament to her faith, and a lesson to her children and friends. Although she was not "rich" by earthly terms, she was "rich" in what really mattered. She loved, and was loved by so many people. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her kind heart and gentle, loving spirit. She would help anyone in need, and always put the needs of others before her own. She loved her family with all of her heart and soul, which was evident by all of the sacrifices she endured for them throughout the years. She was our Mother and our friend. Her legacy will live on through us, and she will be with us in our hearts forever. We will never forget her, but will honor her by living our lives to the fullest, the way that she taught us to. She was a beautiful person both inside and out, and she will be missed more than words can express. Alice was a longtime member of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Plainfield, and coached volleyball and basketball for many years while her children attended school there. After she moved, she joined Holy Family Parish in Shorewood. Alice owned her own cleaning business for nine years before beginning her employment at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. She worked in the cafeteria there for six years, and met many wonderful people during her employment. Alice and her family want to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers over the past 16 months. Your phone calls, cards and visits lifted her spirit and helped her continue to fight. A special thank you is given to "her girls" at the radiation department at Provena Saint Joseph. You were so kind to her and gave her such good care, she loved you all so much. We would also like to thank Joliet Hospice for their care and support during this difficult time. To everyone that loved Alice, please find comfort in the fact that she is at rest and no longer in pain. God has more lives for her to touch in Heaven! Please come share your memories and help us to celebrate her life. Funeral Services for Alice C. Wieclaw will be Friday, October 26, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday 2-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500