Olga M. Ancel

Olga Marie Erjavec Ancel, 86, died Saturday, March 29, 2008, after living a full life based on faith and love. Olga was born in Joliet on July 8, 1921 to Joseph and Josephine (Setina) Erjavec, who had emigrated from Slovenia. She graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in 1934, St. Francis Academy in 1938, and the University of St. Francis in 1942 with a B.A. in History, completing her thesis on the ""History of Slovenia"". Olga married Edward G. Ancel on August 24, 1946, and together they lovingly raised six children, Vera, Joseph, Nadine, Carita, Marie, and Andrew.

In addition to her dedication to her family, Olga lived her life based on her faith in God and involvement in her church and community. Olga was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was secretary of the St. Joseph School Board, Publicity Chairperson of the St. Joseph School Annual Homecoming Fair, and a member of the St. Joseph Centennial Committee. She also served on the Parish Council, sang in the St. Joseph Church Slovenian Choir, and visited the homebound as a Eucharistic Minister. Olga was an active member of the Rosarians, the Senior Parishioners, and the Altar and Rosary Society, serving as Recording Secretary. In recognition of her service to her church and to her community, Olga was chosen as the Joliet Diocesan Woman of the Year in 1995.

Olga took great pride in her Slovenian ancestry. Olga was a charter member of the Slovenian Women's Union Branch No. 20, was active in the drill team from 1938 to 1953, and wrote the ""Junior's Page"" in the Zarja for many years under the pseudonym of Regina. She was elected Financial Secretary of Slovenian Women's Union Branch No. 20 from 1968 to 1976 and National Secretary of the Slovenian Women's Union from 1976 to 1995. Olga was named the Slovenian Women's Union Branch No. 20 Mother of the Year in 1964. Olga was also a member of K.S.K.J. St. Francis de Sales No. 29.

Olga was involved in her community in many ways. She was a charter member of the American Legion Post 1080 Auxiliary. In addition to being American Legion Post 1080 Auxiliary President from 1958 to 1961, she served as Secretary for 6 years and as Veterans Crafts chairperson for 15 years. Olga was a member of the Knights of Columbus No. 392 Auxiliary. She also volunteered as an usher for the Rialto Theatre and a baker and server at Shepherd's Table. She served on the alumni board of St. Francis Academy as Treasurer and the St. Francis Academy/Joliet Catholic High School Jubilation Committee as the coordinator of the Slovenian Gostilna at the Jubilation fundraiser from 1978 to 1985. Olga was honored with the ""Outstanding Service to JCA"" Award in 2001.

Olga's family and friends fondly recall how she loved to dance the polka, always made anyone who came into her house feel at home, and baked the best apple pie and banana cupcakes. Her children are thankful that she always promoted education and musical training, sewed many dresses and costumes, volunteered at their schools and scout troops, chauffeured them to school, band practice, scout activities, sporting events, play rehearsals, and summer jobs, encouraged their interests whether making movies or volunteering at hospitals, supported them through tough times such as undergoing chemotherapy, and showed such a great example of how to live a life caring for others. More recently she is remembered by her grandchildren for working crosswords while sneaking a peek at the answers, always being ready for another game of pinochle, drinking her shot of brandy before going to bed, and watching The Lawrence Welk Show and the Masses and rosaries on channel 62. Her family and friends are grateful for Olga's model of true marital love and affection especially in their last years together on earth.

Olga's trust in God and spirit of giving will live on in the hearts of her husband Ed, her children, in-laws, and grandchildren: Vera Muir and Gordon, Joseph and Lupe (Reyes) Ancel, Nadine Ancel, Carita and Scott Girman and Hannah and Maria, Marie and Mark Benko and Max and Annie, and Andy and Pam (Metz) Ancel and Katie, Elizabeth, and Joe. She is also survived by her sisters Mildred Pucel and Jonita Ruth, her brother Ronald Erjavec and his wife, Mary Lou, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to St. Joseph Church Restoration Fund or the Joliet Area Community Hospice.

From where Funeral Services will be Thursday at 10:30 AM to St. Joseph Church for a mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday from 2 to 8 PM.