Mrs. Genevieve M. "Genny" Kowalski

Genevieve M. Kowalski, affectionately known as “Genny,” age 88, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Genny will be remembered for her deep faith, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family.

Genny was born in Chicago to Stanley and Mary Buczek and was raised in Berwyn, Illinois. She graduated from Morton High School in 1955, where she met the love of her life, Richard J. Kowalski. After graduation, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. Genny and Richard were married there in 1956, beginning a life together rooted in devotion, family, and faith.

After Richard’s discharge from the Air Force, Genny and Richard returned to Illinois and made Arlington Heights their home in 1962. Together, they raised eight children and created a home filled with love, activity, laughter, and lasting memories. Their pride in their large family was joyfully reflected in the family’s vanity license plates: “EIGHTK” on the station wagon and “MOMMY8” on Genny’s car.

Genny is survived by her eight children: Donna (Andy) Biancardi, Debbie (Dave) Mazza, Deanna (Nick) Pecora, Doreen (Pat) Considine, Denise (Gene) LaPorte, Rick (Kris) Kowalski, Rob (Maureen) Kowalski, and Ron (Kerry) Kowalski. She was a proud and loving grandmother of 20 and great-grandmother of 19. She is also survived by her brothers, Stan (Linda) Buczek and Phil (Carol) Buczek; sisters-in-law Rosemary (Steve) Graham and Michelle (late John) Kowalski; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Faith and family were at the center of Genny’s life. She prayed every day for the health and safety of her eight children and their spouses, her grandchildren and their spouses, and her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed attending church with her children and reading, especially while sitting in her living room with her beloved dog and companion, Harley, close beside her. Genny also cherished time spent traveling to visit family and especially loved trips to Naples, FL, and Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota, where she enjoyed the water views, boat rides, and peaceful moments of relaxation.

Genny was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the love, kindness, and care she shared with those around her.

Genny was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard; her parents, Stanley and Mary Buczek; her sisters, Joanne DesJardins and Rosie Maslo; her sister-in-law, Susan Kowalski; and her brothers-in-law, John Kowalski, Phil DesJardins, and Gene Maslo.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 434 W. Park Street, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Family will greet visitors in the Gathering Space beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends consider donating to a charity of their choice in Genny’s memory.