IRENE AUGUSTA "GUS" NOWAK

IRENE AUGUSTA "GUS" NOWAK obituary, Evanston, IL

FUNERAL HOME

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard

Skokie, Illinois

IRENE NOWAK Obituary

Irene Augusta "Gus" Nowak EVANSTON, IL - On August 3, 2018, while listening to Nat King Cole sing "Stardust," Irene Augusta (Gus) Nowak passed away in Evanston, IL, surrounded by members of her family. Born in Gary, IN, on August 10, 1922, Irene was a proud eastsider, longtime resident of Rhode Island Street, and graduate of Emerson High School. She and her dear husband Chester moved to Dune Acres in 1970 and resided there until he passed away in November 2003. Always an independent lady, in 2006 she moved to Valparaiso, first to Meridian Woods and then to Pines Village. After a debilitating stroke she moved to Symphony of Evanston. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Chester Nowak and son John Nowak (Barbara). She is survived by daughters Michel Lynn Inaba of Berkeley, CA and Janna Caldarelli (David) of Evanston, IL, son Paul Nowak (Beth) of Valparaiso, IN, and sister Violet Patricia Pavel of Hobart, IN. She is also survived by grandchildren Deborah Rapacz (Tony), Rebecca Augdahl (Dan), Leslie Granchalek (Aleksandr), Megan Hunter (Todd), Adam Caldarelli (Claire), Ian Inaba, Christopher Nowak, Katie Nowak, and Evan Nowak, as well as eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Irene graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Science in Education in 1971 and taught in the Gary School System. She was an avid reader, a supporter of the library, and an active volunteer in adult literacy. She participated in the League of Women Voters and was passionate about Save the Dunes. She was a lifelong learner and educator, reflective in her decision to donate her body to medical science. A love of dance, music, and theater began in childhood and continued throughout her life. She hoped that Chester was working on his dance lessons in heaven. She will be deeply missed by all her knew her. As she wanted, a celebration lunch will be held for family and friends. Please join us at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2018, at the Shorewood Forest Clubhouse, 410 Shorewood Court, Valparaiso, IN. Those who so desire may make donations to Save the Dunes (savedunes.org) or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org).

Published by The Times on Aug. 12, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for IRENE NOWAK

Not sure what to say?





I remember Aunt Gus fondly. She's the final member of the Nowak siblings to join the family in eternity - Mac and Jen, Helen and Bill, and Chet and Irene (also Toni and Mike, and John). I'm sure it's a happy reunion.

Linda Burdick

September 11, 2018

Dear Michel, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your extended family. Your mother sounded like a vibrant and active lady, no wonder her daughter is too!
Love, Jeannine Patria

Jeannine Patria

September 10, 2018

Blessings on you ,dear departed.
Rest In Peace my friend
Lorna

Lorna Gayle

Friend

September 3, 2018

Life with purpose.

Brenda Garrett-Jordan

Friend

August 15, 2018

Such a Great Lady!

Eva & Hugh Hopkins

August 13, 2018

Irene was an outstanding member of our Sons of Norway lodge, Scandiana, in Chesterton. She will truly be missed. We extend our prayers and sympathy to her family.

Darlene Henderson

Friend

August 13, 2018

My deepest sympathy to your family in the loss of first, John then your mom, Irene. Such a great lady!

Marianne Gillum

August 12, 2018

May God bless you & keep you.
May his face shine upon you & give you rest Durning this most difficult time. Mark & Betty Urso

Betty Urso

Friend

August 11, 2018

Saw a cloud formation last night where the layers of dark rainclouds were pierced by a white cloud that looked like a mountaintop covered in snow. It was brilliantly illuminated by the sun above the dense cloud layer. Where I was standing it was dark, dreary, and threatening. Yet, looking up, I could see that that was not really true. At higher elevations, there were no dark clouds, only sunshine. Maybe there is a heaven for those who let themselves rise above earthly limits. Maybe, just maybe, after you've lived a long and good life, you will belong to the sunshine.

Michel Inaba

Family

August 10, 2018

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in IRENE NOWAK's name

Memorial Events
for IRENE NOWAK

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

How to support IRENE's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor IRENE NOWAK's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more