Obituaries
Obituary: Laska Meri Notz-Johnson
She married her first love, whom she started dating when she was 13, Edward Notz, in 1960, and they had four daughters.
March 29, 1040 - April 27, 2020
March 29, 1040 - April 27, 2020
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Laska Meri Notz-Johnson, (nee Farbiak) was joined with the heavenly Father on April 27, 2020. She was born on March 29, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, and was one of three children to her parents Lukas and Amelia Farbiak.
Laska’s family relocated to Chicago, IL in 1945. She graduated from Austin High School in 1958 and enjoyed keeping up with her closest girlfriends from grammar and high school in her women’s “club.” They continued to get together on a regular basis for over 50 years. Her closest and dearest friend, whom she called her “chosen sister,” Pat Bugielski, continued the tradition with her up until her final days.
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She married her first love, whom she started dating when she was 13, Edward Notz, in 1960, and they had four daughters. Together they built a life that was one for the books. In 1976, they bought land and built their dream home in St. Charles. Together, they poured their blood, sweat, and tears into cultivating their two-acre property from the ground up. Both of them had green thumbs, and they planted over 100 trees and a vast vegetable garden that flourished. Whether they were relaxing at their pool, swimming, or fishing on their private lake – the family always gathered at their home to spend time together. Sunday family dinners were not only a tradition, but an expectation. Laska was a consummate host and always loved entertaining. Everyone was welcome to her table, often her children would invite their friends and coworkers to family dinners, once you were seated you were considered family and welcome to return anytime. In 1996, her beloved husband, Ed, tragically passed away and she became a widow.
With the sudden passing of her husband, she started rediscovering herself in her fifties. She turned to her best friends for support and engaged in activities like volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Elgin) and was a hostess (as well as a member) of the St. Charles Moose Lodge 1368. This is where she met her second husband, Lauren Johnson. They married in 2001. The Moose was their common ground and one of their favorite places; their spot for Friday night Fish Fry, karaoke, and to socialize with friends. Together, they shared a love for cruising in the Corvette, traveling and camping in their fifth wheel, and watching classic movies on AMC.
Faith, family, and tradition were everything to her. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (St. Charles) where she volunteered and was also a Eucharistic Minister.
One of her daughters, Diana, was born with Down Syndrome, and required additional therapy, love, and patience in her upbringing. Laska made it her life’s work to support her daughter in every way possible. This included volunteer and fundraising efforts for the Valley Sheltered Workshop, a non-profit organization that provides work opportunities to those with disabilities, in Batavia. She held various board positions such as Treasurer and Vice President. She also volunteered for many years with the Special Olympics.
Keeping traditions alive were very important to her. Holiday meals and baking were where she really shined. Just as her parents taught her, she taught her daughters and grandchildren about their Slovakian family recipes to ensure they would continue to be carried down to future generations. She found her greatest joy in being a grandmother and being a best friend, cheerleader, and keeper of their secrets. Her love for them was boundless, and she spoiled them endlessly.
Laska had a smile and a laugh and would light up any room she entered. Everyone that knew her always commented about what a caring and compassionate person she was. She was often just a phone call away for many friends and family members to lend an ear. She truly lived life as a Christian and was always willing to help people.
When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she answered for her children and grandchildren, of whom she was most proud. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Notz, her parents, and brother, William (Darlene) Farbiak. She is survived by her husband, Lauren Johnson, brother, Bernie (Judy) Farbiak; children, Lori (Steve) Sarto; Janet (Alan) Bednarek; Diana Notz, and Elizabeth (Kevin) Dunphy. She also is survived by two stepchildren: Lauren (Tracie) Johnson and Lincoln (Stephanie) Johnson. As well as eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Marcus) Benavidez, Edward (Denise) Sarto, and Ashley Sarto; Brendan and Sean Dunphy, Christopher, Daniel, and Caitlyn Bednarek, and Gracie, Bella, Kyra and Kaylee Johnson. She also is survived by five great-granddaughters – Sophia and Gianna Benavidez and Daniella, Amelia, and Piper Sarto.
The family will hold a mass, funeral, and celebration of Laska’s life at a later time when we all can safely gather.
This press release was produced by the Yurs Funeral Home. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
