Anne T. Servinek Uher

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else, it would have to be Anne T. Uher. She was a warm-hearted, well-liked individual and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person; someone who was always making certain those around her had whatever they needed. Anne was a talkative person who typically said what she meant.

Anne, daughter of John and Mary Servinek, was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised on the southwest side of the city. During her childhood, she learned to be reliable and respectful. Anne was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others, and found it easy to show sympathy and perform kind acts. These admirable qualities would become a part of Anne's personality throughout her life.

Though Anne was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Anne was a peacemaker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Anne worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. She had an older brother, John, who died when he was seven-years-old. Anne and her brother cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Anne was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Anne was always tactful. One thing Anne will certainly be remembered for is when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Anne had a number of interests and was an active child. One thing she enjoyed was taking piano lessons.

There was one thing that all of Anne's friends knew and will still remember: she was a talker. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Anne was such a popular person throughout her life. Anne was also dependable, loyal, trustworthy and the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Anne was very accepting of others.

Anne was a faithful and loving person; some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Anne cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On May 10, 1947 Anne married William Uher at St. Simon Catholic Church of 51st and California, in Chicago. Compassionate and devoted, Anne worked hard to make her new life partner happy. Their marriage lasted 59 years, until Bill's death in 2007.

Anne and Bill made their early home at 7235 S. California Avenue in Chicago. This was their home for 47 years. Anne was fond of the home for many reasons. One that made her especially happy was the day Pope John Paul II visited Chicago; his parade passed in front of their house.

Harmony was important to Anne and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Anne and Bill were blessed with two children: one daughter, Marianne and one son, William. They were also blessed with three grandchildren: Alex, Rachel and Andrew. Anne was always conscious of the feelings of others and kept herself reasonable and understanding. As a result, Anne was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Anne would listen before she would act.

With a distinct skill for working things out, Anne was often an event planner. In fact, Anne was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Anne made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Her friends included Jerry & Ella Polach (whom Anne & Bill vacationed to Mexico with in 1947), Marian and Bill Fayta, Stevie Simonelis, Sophie Kizlyk, Helen Michalik, Dorothy Malina, Mary Nikiel, Mildred Michalik, Hattie Balutis and Joan Ziarko.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Anne, and she expected the same from those around her. Anne was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Anne was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. Excruciating details that would give family members fits were situations that Anne handled well, without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was as a homemaker, although, she was employed for some time as a seamstress before marrying Bill. She designed her own dresses for herself and made dresses for several weddings.

A methodical woman, Anne enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. She joined a bowling league and was involved with the St. Adrian Craft Guild.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Anne to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Anne did her fair share of volunteer work as a member of the Volunteer Red Cross during World War II. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Anne was a member of the Joysters, a social club before she was married. Later, she joined a women's club that met every month to play a dice game.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Anne well with her faith. She was a member St. Adrian Catholic Church at 70th & Washtenaw in Chicago. She was well-respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Anne enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included many through the ComEd Pals group. Anne often recalled vacations in Europe , driving to Quebec, Canada to visit the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre, and the famous 1947 trip to Mexico.

Anne was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Kibbee, a cat, who was a best friend for 16 years.

Since it was easy for Anne to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even after relocationg from Chicago to Lisle. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Her new life involved moving to a condo on Portsmouth in Lisle, Illinois in 1994, and later to The Devonshire, which she and Bill enjoyed very much. Even after the move, Anne stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities offered to her.

She is survived by her son William (Isabelle) Uher, daughter Marianne (Greg) Matecki, grandchildren Alex Uher and Rachel & Andrew Matecki.

Visitation Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 3:pm - 9:pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue (on Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services begin Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 9:15 am and proceed to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 820 Division St., Lisle for Mass at 10:00 am. Interment follows in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL.

Anne was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. She was a down-to-earth person, outgoing and gregarious, and without question, the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is her ability to love. Anne touched many lives throughout her time with us and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Anne T. Uher, nee Servinek, beloved wife of the late William; loving mother of William (Isabelle) and Marianne (Gregory) Matecki; dearest grandmother of Alex Uher, Rachel and Andrew Matecki. Funeral Wednesday 9:15 a.m. from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave. (On Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave./Rt. 34), Lisle.To St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 820 Division St.,Lisle, Mass 10 a.m.. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside, Illinois. Visitation Tuesday, 3 to 9 p.m.

For info 630-964-9392.