Lorraine M. Ziolkowski

Lorraine (Zolecki) Ziolkowski, age 94, passed away February 1, 2026, with family by her side. She was a life-long resident of Lemont, IL.

Lorraine is survived by her loving children Steven (Sheryl), Diane (James) Sniegowski, Jeffrey (Julie), John (Teresa), and James (Dawn); 11 grandchildren – Evan Ziolkowski, Anthony (Kristyn) Ziolkowski, William (Cora) Sniegowski, Heather Ziolkowski, Emily (David) Bradshaw, Jacob (Nicolette) Ziolkowski, Lydia (Michael) Azzarone, Sarah (Sydney)Tello, Ellie Ziolkowski, Aaron Ziolkowski, and Peter Ziolkowski; 3 great-grandchildren – Aniston Ziolkowski, Isaac Camarillo and Kaiden Camarillo; one sister Sally (Richard) Poppish. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Louis Ziolkowski, in 2024; a son, Michael, and a sister, Bernadine (late John) Klein.

Born in Lemont, IL, she was the oldest daughter of Walter and Mary Zolecki. As a 16-year-old, she asked her uncle Ted, who was in the Army Air Corps on the island of Guam, if there was an 18-year-old, Polish, Catholic serviceman to whom she could write letters. Lou Ziolkowski fit those qualifications as he was her uncle’s bunkmate. Numerous letters were exchanged between them where their romance began. During that time, Lorraine graduated from St. Francis Academy in Joliet in 1949. After Lou returned to the states, they married at SS Cyril & Methodius Church in Lemont in 1951. During their 72 years of marriage, they travelled to many places and especially enjoyed being snowbirds for numerous winters in Tucson, Arizona. 

Lorraine was a devout Catholic, an exceptional mother, and proud of her grandchildren as she actively supported them throughout their many activities. She was a past President of the SS Cyril & Methodius Mother’s Club and life member and past President of the church Altar and Rosary Society. Lorraine was most proud of being a life member (65 years) of the Lemont VFW Post 5819 Auxiliary. She held many VFW Auxiliary offices including President, and she enjoyed participating in veteran's events held at the post. Lorraine’s positive outlook, witty sense of humor, and cheery disposition affected all who met her. She will be dearly missed and forever loved.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and residents at Franciscan Village in Lemont and Lightways Hospice for the care and kindness they have shown to Lorraine.  

A celebration of Lorraine’s life will begin on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with a visitation from 3 – 7 p.m. at Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. 108 Illinois St. Lemont. Funeral services Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home to SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 608 Sobieski St., Lemont, for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lorraine’s memory may be made to the Lemont VFW Auxiliary that supports many veterans’ programs.