Katherine Smolich

""Katie""

Age 94, passed away peacefully at the home of her beloved niece, Linda with whom she has resided the past 7 A�?A�A½ years. Born March 18, 1914 to the late Anton and Catherine (Spelich) Smolich in South Wilmington, IL moving in 1925 to Crest Hill, which has been her residence the rest of her life.

Katie was a graduate of Chaney Grade School. She then went to work for the Hayes and Mary Louise Kennedy family as housekeeper and nanny for 14 years. She was employed at the American Can Co. for 17 years. She worked at Smolich Bros. Sausage from 8:30 5:00 up until she was 87 years old when she became ill. She moved in with her nephew and niece and caregivers, Scott and Linda (Sovich) Dyke.

She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Church, Joliet, IL, Altar and Rosary Society, American Fraternal Union Lodge 66. She was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Catherine (Spelich) Smolich, three sisters Jennie (Rudolph) Dernulc, Mary (John) Strysik, Annie (Frank) Panian, three brothers Anton (Mary) Smolich, Frank Smolich, infant brother Joseph, sister-in-law Evelyn Smolich and brother-in-law Martin J. Sovich, god children Gloria Bell and Joseph Strysik, nephews Jake Strysik, John Smolich, and Randy Smolich, great nephews Jeff Bolte and Steve Panian, and great niece Vicki (Malarich) Boseo.

Survived by her loving sister and best friend, Margaret J. Smolich whom she played bunco and cards with daily, Edward (late Evelyn) Smolich, Irene Vercellino, Louis (Geraldine) Smolich, Frances Sovich and Rudolph (Lois) Smolich; sister-in-law Sophie (late Frank) Smolich; loving niece and nephew, Linda (Sovich) and Scott Dyke and their children; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; special great-aunt, to Martin ""Joel"" Sovich and Katie Dyke (Gregory Cash); and family pets, Snickers, Lucky, and Lucy.

Katie was an avid Bingo player, loved the horse races and was a regular at the riverboat. Katie, your presence and sense of humor will be greatly missed, but the memories and fun we had will be in our hearts forever. We love and miss you, Maggie, Linda, Scott.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Joliet Area Community Hospice or St. Joseph Church, Joliet would be appreciated.

From where services will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 9:30 AM to St. Joseph Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-8 PM.