Obituary: Wanda Geraldine Lesnieski (nee Smiejek)

LEMONT, IL — Wanda passed away April 8, 2023. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Norbert James Lesnieski; her parents, Anton and Mary Ann (Rogalski) Smiejek; her son, Thomas; brothers, Stanley, Raymond, David, Frances; and her sisters, Estelle, Gertrude, Wanda Clare, Mary Anne, Nora and Olympia. Wanda and Norbert were married on May 26, 1950, at Immaculate Conception Church in Chicago. She attended South Shore High School and went to Northwestern University where she studied psychology.

Starting her career at First National Bank of Chicago, she retired after 25 years from Marshall Field and Company where she began as a stock girl, working her way up to department manager before finishing her career as a merchandise buyer for the Christmas department at the Oak Brook store.

Wanda’s passions included history, travel, the Kentucky Derby, gardening, and her fierce golf game. She was a member of the Western Springs Infant Welfare Golf League for many years where she golfed every Wednesday with her daughter until 89 years young. Wanda was also a past Lemont Jaycette president.

A 60 plus year parishioner of SS. Cyril & Methodius where she supported her late husband, Deacon Norb, in his ministry for more than 44 years. Past president of the Mothers’ Club and school office manager at SS Cyril & Methodius.

She leaves behind her son, James (Anita Gorman) Lesnieski; and daughter, Suzette (Mark) Sniegowski; her grandchildren, Anne (Adam) Becker, Tina (Evan) Strehlau, Michael (Laurie) Lesnieski, Josh (Alexandra) Sniegowski, Aubrey (Kendrick) Sands; and five great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Strehlau, Bryce and Mia Becker, Maddie Lesnieski, and Ronan Sands; and another great-grandson Sniegowski to arrive soon.

Visitation will be held April 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C., 108 Illinois St., Lemont, and April 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. with a procession to SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, 608 Sobieski St., Lemont, for 11:30 a.m. Mass.

Interment will take place at SS. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery on State Street, south of Keepataw Drive, in Lemont.