Theresa (Dragovan) Esler

Theresa A. Esler (nee Dragovan), age 97, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, which would have been her and her husband's 75th wedding anniversary.

Theresa is survived by her loving children, Nikki (late Norm) Stowe and Lynn (Jim) Szopinski; grandchildren, Nora, Nancy, Alison, and Nick; four great-grandchildren, soon to be five; step granddaughter, Jamie and two step great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Marge (late Bob) Zobel, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Theresa was the daughter of the late John and Katherine (nee Videtich) Dragovan. She was raised and educated in Joliet and graduated from St. Francis Academy, class of 1941. She was a devoted Catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Nick (1964); sisters, Fran (Jesse) Hancock and Mayme (Marty) Bozicevich; brothers, Joseph (Dorothy), Frank, and John and Louie in infancy.

Theresa will be remembered for her generous spirit, her strength and perseverance, her love and devotion for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with her baking and cooking skills, especially her potica, strudel, and Christmas treats. She was an avid Cubs and Bulls fan and rarely missed watching a game.

A very special thank you goes to the amazing staff at Lightways and Theresa's dedicated caregivers, Ellie, Fe, Pani, Blessie, and Elinita.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago St. in Joliet. Interment will follow and Theresa will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Joliet. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Theresa's memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Lightways (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice).