Casmira Burzawa

Casmira ""Kitty"" Burzawa (nee Pietrzak) 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend closed a full and active life on February 4, 2011, passing away at home with her children at her side. Born in Warsaw, Poland, Kitty was a resident of Joliet since 1924. She graduated from Holy Cross grade school and Joliet Township High School. She was married for 52 years to Felix ""Phil"" Burzawa, with whom she built a home and family. Over the years, Kitty worked at the Joliet Arsenal and Electro-Motive, and as a waitress at LeBars and Holiday Inn. She sang in the Holy Cross Church choir, was a member of the school's Mothers Club and the Northwest Recreation Club, and in later years was active in the Caterpillar Retiree Club. She bowled in the Early Birds League, walked the track and did water aerobics at the Charlie Club (later the Joliet YMCA), and enjoyed sunbathing and working on her tan. She loved to travel, taking more than 25 group outings to Las Vegas, and was a frequent vacation companion to her children and grandchildren. Among her many unique talents, Kitty danced a mean polka, created outrageous Halloween costumes, and baked the best pie crust around.

Kitty was unceasingly supportive of her family. She could be seen avidly cheering on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at their athletic games, parades, music recitals, ice skating shows and school programs. She was a never-tiring fundraiser for organizations she volunteered for, and went above and beyond in helping family members with their favorite causes. She was a strong and independent woman, and encouraged these qualities in those lucky enough to be close to her.

Her survivors include three children, Gerald, Betty (Dennis) Zaletel and Sue (Kevin Coughlin) Burzawa; four grandchildren, Chris (Joe) Bajner, Carrie Zaletel, John Zaletel and Kaylee Coughlin; and five great grandchildren, Jacob Hotuyec, Joey Bajner, Cameron Hotuyec, Connor Hotuyec and Jimmy Bajner; also sister Adeline (Steve) Jenco, brother Edward ""Buck"" Peterzak (Marge), niece Judy Skoff, and numerous other family members and friends. Kitty is preceded in death by her husband Felix, parents Vincent and Helen, and siblings Janet (late John) Burzawa and Bill (Bernie) Pietrzak .

Kitty's family would like to express gratitude to the Joliet Area Community Hospice staff for their support over the past year and a half, and to Ann Keehn for her compassionate care during Kitty's last days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chromosome 18 Registry, a nonprofit organization that has touched the life of her great grandson Jimmy.

A Celebration of Kitty"s Life will begin with prayers at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 9:30 AM, then in procession to Holy Cross Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, 4 PM. to 8 PM., February 7, 2011, with prayers and sharing of memories at 7 p.m.