Marie C. Klimek

Marie C. Matlak-Klimek (nee Vella), age 87, at peace in Heaven on Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, David B. Klimek; one sister, Kay (the late Ross) Margentina; stepchildren, Gerald (Joan) Klimek, Claudine (Mike) Roderick, and Ron Klimek; grandchildren, Ben (Beth) Klimek, Katie Klimek, and R.J. Roderick; special nieces, Sandra Anderson and Paulette Cottrell; nephews, Ross, Robert, Jim, and Michael Margentina, and Michael Vella; Numerous great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

Preceded in death by her first husband, Stephen Matlak (1971); son, Stephen Matlak (2006); parents, Norfrio and Ida (nee Catalino) Vella; brother, Tony (Evelyn) Vella; and sister, Carmella Vella.

Marie was born and raised in Joliet, IL and went on to graduate from Joliet Township High School. Marie was employed at B & M Optical. She loved traveling with her husband and especially enjoyed her trips to Alaska. Marie enjoyed knitting and playing cards with her sister. She was greatly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers donations in Marie's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated.

A celebration of Marie's life will begin on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to Holy Cross Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. Visitation will be on Monday, April 21, 2014 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4-8 p.m.