Elizabeth A. Szymczak

Elizabeth A. Szymczak (Betty)

Age 87 of Shorewood and previously of Chicago, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2023 at home with her family by her side.

Born May 1, 1936 in Chicago to Clifford & Elizabeth Oberleitner, Betty found joy in the simple things in life. After graduating from St. Josephat Commercial High School with the class of 1954, she married Mr. Chester Szymczak in 1955 and together they made a home and started their family. Betty spent years raising her daughters, and later embarked on a fulfilling career as a bank teller until her retirement in 1991. Following her lifelong dream to settle up north, she and Chester moved to Coloma, Wisconsin. To keep busy, Betty took a job with Waushara County doing bookkeeping and other odd jobs for another eight years until officially retiring.

A devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet, Betty had a profound faith which guided her throughout her life. She had a special place in her heart for animals and was an advocate for those with special needs.  Her love for movies was unparalleled as she became a master of old Hollywood and movie trivia, delighting friends and family with her vast knowledge.

She was an excellent story teller who could entertain anyone within listening range. Betty possessed a warm heart and thoughtfulness that extended beyond words; she remembered family and friends throughout the year, sending cards for every birthday, anniversary, and holiday.

The legacy of this wonderful woman lives on through the memories she created and the love she shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed but always remembered.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving daughter: Cheryl (Bill) Gimbel; cherished grandchildren: Brian (Sarah) Gimbel, Jennifer (John Blackburn) Meredith, Margaret (Steve Ellis) Gimbel, Benjamin Huhnke, Katrina Huhnke (Rico Santos) and Mollie Huhnke (Jason Castillo); treasured great-grandchildren: William and Jacob Gimbel, Dominic and Anthony Meredith, and Ava, Liam and Charli Santos; sister: Sandie (Pete) Mantas, and sister-in-law: Judy (Mike) Slobodzian, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband: Chester (2015); loving daughter: Kelly Huhnke (2014); parents: Clifford Oberleitner and Elizabeth Pulaski; brother, Clifford Oberleitner Jr.; mother and father-in-law: Virginia Sittner and Edward Szymczak, and sister-in-law: Dorothy (David) Cargill.

Per Elizabeth’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a memorial visitation on Monday, November 13, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N Chicago Street in Joliet, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. which is when the Mass of Christian Burial will begin. Interment will follow and Elizabeth will be laid to rest with her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet.