Obituary of Barbara Mae Smykowski

Barbara Mae (Sieracki) Smykowski, age 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 26, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Barbara lived her entire adult life in the suburbs of Chicago and was the youngest of 11 children born to Peter and Mary (Kroll) Sieracki.  Barbara was preceded in death by the love of her life, Richard A. Smykowski, to whom she was married for 46 years.  Together they raised a wonderful family including Karen (Christopher) Gresk, Michael (Carol) Smykowski, John (Becky) Smykowski, Barbara Jurlow, Peter (Jennifer) Smykowski, and Bill (Stacey) Smykowski.  She was a proud grandmother of 11 including Elizabeth (Jeff Funston) Gresk, Steven (Louise Ellis) Gresk, Peter (Kristine Kozak-Gresk) Gresk, Michelle and Christine Smykowski, Matthew & Ellen Smykowski, Michael Jurlow, Sophia & Tommy Smykowski, and Nicholas Smykowski.  
In addition to her immediate family, Barbara leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends with whom she was very close and loved dearly. 

Barbara was an active member of St. Victor Parish and School, as well as St. Michael’s Parish in Indiana. She was formerly employed at Central Teaming, Inc.

A memorial celebration for Barbara will be planned for a future date.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in her name at https://www.parkinson.org/

Family and friends are invited to visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com to leave a condolence or share a memory or favorite story.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Joliet, is in charge of arrangements.  For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit www.fredcdames.com