Eleanor Bernice Kurdas

She was born on January 28, 1930, in Blue Island, Illinois, to Anthony Nowicki and Bernice (Kleczka) , both of whom preceded her in death. Eleanor was one of three sisters and was preceded in death by her sister Gertrude. She is survived by her sister Helen.

Eleanor spent much of her life in the southern suburbs of Chicago, where she built lasting relationships and a strong sense of community. She later moved to Valparaiso, Indiana, and in her later years came to call Lakeland, Florida her home.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene Kurdas and her stepdaughter, Linda Jenner. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Langren, and is survived by Cheryl’s husband, Edward.

She is survived by her loving children: Joe (Marilee) Kurdas, Mary (Robert) Riboul, and Kenneth (Rita) Pacyga; and her stepchildren: Ronald (Sheryle) Kurdas, Jean (Manuel) Barrientos, Michelle Benjamin, Sally (Bill) Barlar, and Donald Kurdas. Eleanor was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to many, all of whom she loved very much.

Eleanor was not one for polish or pretense, but she was deeply rooted in gratitude and a genuine neighborly spirit. She embraced life with a sense of adventure and an openness to others that was unmistakable. She had a gift for turning strangers into conversations—often pausing to connect with someone new, even if it meant holding up a line as others hurried by. You could not leave without a hug as a goodbye. That warmth, presence, and sincerity will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A service to honor Eleanor’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 24th, with a viewing at 10:00 AM followed by a service at St. Anthony’s Church in North Lakeland.