Helen Margaret Kravchuk

Helen Margaret Kravchuk (nee Sokolik), 95, a resident of Naperville, IL since 2006 and a former 39-year resident of Lombard, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, at St. Patrick's Residence in Naperville, IL. She was born on September 1, 1929, in Omaha, NE.
Helen was the beloved wife of the late Richard Anton "Dick" Kravchuk, whom she married on November 21, 1952. Dick preceded her in death on January 26, 2010. She was the loving mother of Carrie Kane of Naperville, Nanette (the late Joseph) Kurzydym of Naperville, Richard "Rick" (Susan "Susie") Kravchuk Jr. of Mineral Bluff, GA, and Mark (Mary) Kravchuk of Lake Geneva, WI. Helen was also the adored grandmother of Michael "Mike" (Elizabeth "Elle"), Steven, John, and Thomas "Tom" Kurzydym; Rosemary "Rose" (Jeff) Hollis and Natalie Kravchuk; Nathan "Nate" and Margaret "Maggie" Kravchuk. She will be fondly remembered as Mom, Grandma, Aunt and a cherished friend to many.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John and Catherine Sokolik, as well as her numerous siblings: brothers John, Francis, Joseph, Gregory, and Robert Sokolik; and sisters Mary Skopinski, Catherine Regner, Theresa Kozel, Anne Beezley, Virginia Hemenway, Joan Meisner, and Gertrude Sokolik.
A bright and determined individual, Helen graduated high school at age 16 and attended business college for two years on scholarship. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Union Pacific Railroad and Nicor Gas Company. After the birth of her second daughter, Nanette, Helen dedicated herself to raising her four children, actively volunteering as a Campfire and Cub Scout leader. Later, she enjoyed working at Carson Pirie Scott. Helen cherished her time with her grandchildren, delighting in watching them grow.
Helen faced numerous health challenges throughout her life, including cancer, heart valve replacement, and brain surgery. She also endured significant personal hardships, including the losses of her husband, her son-in-law, twelve siblings, and many dear friends. Despite these trials, her unwavering faith allowed her to remain remarkably positive, always focusing on the well-being of others before her own. Helen was a strong, independent, and loving woman, deeply faithful to God and her family. She was truly the "glue" that held them together during difficult times.
While Helen's physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of strength, love, and her beautiful smile will continue to be felt in the memories and hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her warm laugh and unwavering thoughtfulness–never missing a birthday or Christmas card-will be cherished and remembered by all whose lives she touched.
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Service Information:
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Patrick's Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick's Residence.
Interment will be at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL.
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In Lieu of Flowers:
In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to:
Misericordia Foundation, 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660, (773) 973-6300, https://www.misericordia.com/
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Funeral Arrangements:
Arrangements are being handled by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60540.
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com.