Agnes C. (Karpel) McLaren

Agnes C. McLaren (nee Karpel) passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Joliet Area Community Hospice, after complications from hip replacement surgery.  Agnes was born in Joliet on November 29, 1923 to her parents John and Margaret (nee Kuban) Karpel.  Agnes married Stephen McLaren on April 16, 1944 in Joliet.

Agnes is preceded in death by her husband, Dave; brothers Joseph (Marge), Richard, Robert; sisters Margaret (Joseph) Janostak, Genevieve (Raymond) Hommes, Anna (Earl) Schoeneck; brothers-in-law Robert Milligan, Charles Joesph and Lee Witherspoon; niece Lisa (nee Schoeneck) Peart; nephews Paul Milligan, Mark Milligan, and Johnny Karpel.

Agnes is survived by her children Patrick (Georgia), Diane Richards, Linda; grandchildren Renee (Brian) Ford, Jeffrey (Patricia) Richards; great-grandchildren Max and Ruby Ford, Jack and Joe Richards. Also by her loving sisters Elizbeth Milligan, Mary Ann Joesph, Dorthy Witherspoon; sisters-in-law Rita Karpel, Shirley Karpel, Dorothy Karpel, as well as Elizabeth, Theresa, Carol and Betty; brothers-in-law Merle and Don; numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews also survive.

Agnes worked at Gerlach Barlow for over 20 years. She devoted the rest of her life active in her church, Ss. Cyril & Methodius, Ladies Pennsylvania Catholic Slovak Union as chapter treasurer (retiring in October 2015), Ss. Cyril and Methodius Altar and Rosary Society, and Senior Citizens Association.

She was a master baker and cook that her family was blessed to learn from and enjoy.  She was an avid bowler, crossword player, and reader throughout her life.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She enjoyed being able to still bake and cook for her lucky family and friends.  She will be dearly missed by loving family and friends.

Funeral services will begin on Monday, March 7, 2016 beginning with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Tezak Funeral Home (1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL) then driving in procession to Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Cemetery in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.  Interment to follow.  Obituary and tribute wall for Agnes C. McLaren at www.tezakfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements entrusted to Pisut Funeral Services.