Anna Bryja

Anna Agnieszka Bryja, known affectionately as Hania to her loved ones, passed away on June 6, 2025, at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with illness. She took her last breath surrounded by her family in Oak Lawn, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joy.
Anna was born on July 22, 1949, in the town of Gronków, Poland, to the late Jozef and Magdalena Bryja. Her life's journey brought her from the picturesque hills of her homeland to the vibrant Polish-American community of Chicago, where she would build her life and family. She was the beloved wife of Joseph Bryja, with whom she shared countless cherished memories in their 54 years of marriage.
Together, Anna and Joseph welcomed two daughters into the world, Barb Bryja-Friery and Joann Bryja, who would become the center of Anna's universe. Her family grew with the addition of her son-in-law, Sean Friery, and she took immense pride in her role as a doting grandmother to Grace and Jacob Friery. Anna's love knew no bounds, extending even to Sasha, the grandpup who also held a special place in her heart.
She is survived by her caring siblings, Jan Bryja and Stanislaw Bryja, and her sister Josephine Figus and their families. Anna was preceded in death by her parents and her loving sister Aniela Zagata. Her extended family, including many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends, will remember Anna for her warmth, kindness, and the joy she brought into their lives.
Anna's work ethic was admirable; she dedicated 38 years to Best Kosher Foods, a division of the Sara Lee Corporation, before retiring. Her nurturing spirit shone brightly as she took on the role of babysitter for her beloved grandchildren, a job she cherished and performed with love and dedication.
Her interests were heartfelt. Anna found peace and pleasure in planting flowers, spending time outside in the beauty of nature, and taking walks. She loved cooking meals that would bring family and friends together in celebration of life's simple pleasures. Her joy in shopping was matched by her love for streaming travel videos with her husband and in the simple pleasures of their daily routine together in retirement.
Anna never missed an opportunity to celebrate her grandchildren's accomplishments, always encouraging and supporting them in their endeavors. She maintained a strong connection to her roots, calling family back in Poland regularly to catch up on life's events and participating in Góralski cultural festivities, which kept her heritage alive and vibrant.
Her presence at gatherings was a source of joy and happiness for many, and her ability to socialize and connect with people was unparalleled. Anna's life was woven with love, family, and tradition, a life that was as rich and colorful as the flowers she tended with such care.
As we bid farewell to Anna Agnieszka Bryja, we reflect on a life well-lived, a life filled with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to those she held dear. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will live on in the memories we share, the stories we tell, and the love that binds us together. Anna's journey on this earth may have come to an end, but her influence will endure for generations to come.
Visitation, Friday, June 13, 2025, 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.
Funeral, Saturday, June 14, 2025, 9:00AM Prayers and Procession to begin from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview, Illinois for 10:00AM Mass.
Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois.