Eleanor Bernice Kurdas

She was born on January 28, 1930, in Blue Island, Illinois, to Anthony Nowicki and Bernice (Kleczke) Nowicki, 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; her daughter, Cheryl Langren; her stepdaughter, Linda Jenner; and her parents. She is survived by Cheryl’s husband, Edward Langren.

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 dearly.

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. No one left without a hug goodbye. Her 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 visitation to honor Eleanor’s life will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60655.

Interment services will be held the following day, Monday, March 30, beginning at 9:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Church in Blue Island, and burial at St. Benedict Cemetery in Crestwood, Illinois.

Funeral Home:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/illinois/chicago/andrew-j-mcgann-son-funeral-home/9629

Church:

https://www.stmarymagdaleneparish.org/

Cemetery:

https://www.catholiccemeterieschicago.org/locations/st-benedict/