Lucille Wojtowicz

Lucy was born in Thorp, Wisconsin, the 4th child of 8, to Victoria and Frank Sierociuk. She spent her early years on the family farm, doing the necessary chores and living the life of a country girl. She moved to Chicago in the 1940's to live with an aunt and get a job working as a "Rosie the riveter" during World War II. After the war, she met Steve Wojtowicz, a returning soldier. They were married on July 5, 1947, in Thorp WI. The newlyweds returned to Chicago and lived in an apartment above Steve's parents in Brighton Park. Lucy spent the next 22 years there, raising their 4 children, a devoted mom and homemaker. She returned to the workforce once the children were able to care for themselves and had a 23 year stint as a factory worker for Motorola in Franklin Park, IL. A year later, the family moved to a new home in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. She resided there for over 50 years.

She moved to Rockford, Illinois in 2022, to be closer to her son. Her last several months were spent at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois where she received excellent care and compassion. Lucy was an avid gardener who especially loved flowers of all kinds. Her small backyard garden was featured on several local garden walks. She also enjoyed various crafting projects including quilting, beading, ceramic painting, and even upholstery. She was a wonderful cook and was known for her baking skills. She loved to host large family dinners where there were always at least two desserts. She was hard worker that never sat still and was eager to help out on any project that came her way.

She dutifully cared for her mother-in-law and husband in the last years of their lives, She was especially proud of her Polish heritage and the farm girl lifestyle in which she was raised. She had a special fondness for all of her brothers and sisters, many that predeceased her. In 2002 she lost her husband, Steve, followed by the untimely death of her eldest daughter, Cynthia, in 2005. Her heart was broken never to be fully healed.

Lucy is survived by her 3 remaining children: Adrienne (Michael Burns), of Naperville, IL, Susan of San Diego, CA, James (Eugene Forster), of Rockford, IL and by her son-in-law Edward Whalen of Chicago. Also, surviving her are five grandchildren: Edward (Kelly) Whalen, Stephen (Melissa) Burns, Lauren (Adam) Figi, Meredith (Mark) Luneburg and August Kellman. In addition, 10 great children are left to cherish her memory. Lucy was a member of St. Pancratius Church while living in Brighton Park and St. Daniel the Prophet Church, in Garfield Ridge, for the remainder of her life.

Donations, in her name, to Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, Illinois would be greatly appreciated.

Memorial Visitation for Lucy will be on Friday, August 29th, 2025, from 4:00 PM. to 8:00 PM., at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Prayer Service on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 9:30 AM., at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM., at St. Daniel the Prophet Church, 6612 West 54th Street, Chicago, IL 60638. Her ashes will be buried next to her husband at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, 7201 Archer Road, Justice, Illinois 60458. For information call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Wojtowicz Family.