A remarkable woman who Dreamed the Impossible Dreams and attained them. Born in Chicago to Ted and Alice Przybylo, she was the granddaughter of Polish immigrants who were honored to become Americans, while keeping their cherished heritage and traditions. And, Althea was determined to uphold their dreams and make them proud. She attended St. Helen's Polish Catholic grade school, which laid the foundation for her lifes path. Excelling in all subjects, she entered Mt. St Mary high school where she was given the opportunity to exceed her limitations as an outstanding pianist and violinist, concert mistress of the orchestra, captain of varsity basketball and volleyball teams, class officer for four years and president of the Girls Athletic Association. At that time, women were seldom acknowledged as being superior athletes and leaders Althea broke that trend. While at St. Louis University, Althea met the man of her dreams, Joe Kroger. They shared a mutual interest in music, philosophy, theology, and the need to further their education. After marrying in 1969, they moved to Toronto where Joe obtained his Doctorate in Theology, and Althea became a mother to their loving son Andrew. Joe Secured a professorship in Theology at St. Michaels College, and Vermont became their permanent home. With a multitude of dreams Althea set out to further her education while entering the political arena. She received her Masters in Political science (Univ. of Vt., her J.D. law degree (Vt. Law school) and her MPA in Public Administration (The John F. Kennedy school of government at Harvard University). She was committed to social justice and was an activist in womens rights. With strong opposition and a grass roots campaign, she was elected and served in the State House of. Representatives for four terms. She then served two terms in the Vermont Senate and subsequently served as a Judge in Family Court. (for more detailed information on her political accomplishments, please google Althea Przybylo Kroger obituary Vt.) As her dreams became a reality, she was stopped in her tracks. In 1996 she was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. With great strength and determination and many more dreams to attain, she successfully won that battle, and after a year of rest and recovery, she traveled to Poland and fell in love with the country and its people. Studying for one year in Krakow, she received her certification to teach English as a second language. She then purchased and renovated a large building, and opened the Althea Institute in Debica, founded to teach english and leadership skills to business managers and civic leaders. A successful entrepreneur and educator, she worked relentlessly for the next 10 years. She bettered the lives of many. On July 18, 2012, she received the news that she had aggressive lung and bone cancer. She returned home to Vermont and passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2012. She is survived by her husband Joseph; son Andrew (daughter-in-law Carolina), grand-daughters; Gabrielle and Rachel. Her siblings; Vivian (Paul) Kolpak and children Todd Alexis and Vanessa, Andrew (Amy) Przybylo and children Adam and Kiki, Alice (Tony) Pawlicki and children; Allison, Angie and Stacie, Vicki (Bill) Pindras and children Andrea, David, Laura, Eric and Emilie, Ted (Alicja) and children Michelle, Alex and Jack. Althea also had 14, first cousins who were like brothers and sisters while growing up in Chicago. Love was always in the air and fun was being a large and connected family. We will all miss her deeply. Visitation will he held on Sat. Sept. 15, at the Skaja Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles, from 9 a.m. until 12:30. There will be a prayer service conducted by Msgr. Velo, with burial at Maryhill cemetery. In lieu offlowers, please make donations to the
in memory of Althea.
Published in Chicago Tribune on September 9, 2012
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