Gloria E. Strzelczyk

Gloria E. Strzelczyk, 93, of Fox Lake, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, surrounded by the love that she so faithfully gave throughout her life. Born at home on May 14, 1932, in Lyons, Illinois, to Anthony and Emilie (Brosig) Marchon, Gloria was a proud graduate of J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, Class of 1950. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Joe Strzelczyk, on May 26, 1951, at St. Hugh Church in Lyons, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 45 beautiful years.

Gloria's life was rooted in family. She chose to dedicate herself fully to raising her children, creating a warm and loving home filled with home-cooked meals, fresh baked treats, and the comfort only a mother can provide. Later, in order to help provide for her children's college education, she worked at Marshall Field's in the gift department, where she wrapped countless packages and thoroughly enjoyed the work, carefully wrapping gifts that would become part of others' special moments. She would later spend more than 20 years at Amlings in Hinsdale in the accounts payable department, where she formed lasting friendships.

For over 55 years, Gloria called Summit, Illinois home before moving to Fox Lake in 2008 to be closer to family. Her kitchen was her happy place, and her hands were rarely still - knitting thoughtful gifts for loved ones and preparing meals that brought everyone together. She treasured her friendships and especially enjoyed her time with the Copy Cats Club in Fox Lake.

Above all else, Gloria's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother. Her gentle spirit, steady love, and quiet strength will be remembered always.

Survived by her sons, Martin (Sharon) and Joel Strzelczyk; cherished grandchildren, Melissa (Brendan) Kennett, April (Tyler) Strzelczyk-Haverstock, Danny, and Ashley Strzelczyk; precious great-granddaughter, Kiera Haverstock; sister, Lois (the late Neil) Ondracek; daughter-in-law, Kathy Strzelczyk; niece, Erica Miller.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph in 1996; son, Dennis in 2016, and her parents.

Because animals always held a special place in her heart, the family kindly suggests memorial donations in Gloria's memory to Paws at www.pawschicago.org or Save-A-Pet at www.saveapetil.org or to the Anti-Cruelty Society at https://anticruelty.org

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Blessing at Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home, 8103 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL.

Interment will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 7201 Archer Avenue, Summit, IL. Friends may gather at the cemetery gate to escort Gloria to her final resting place in procession.

For additional information, please contact Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home at 815-675-0550.