Urszula K. Pawlus

July 11, 1961 – September 30, 2025

Urszula "Ula" Pawlus, 64, of Lincolnshire, Illinois, passed away suddenly on September 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Kamienica Polska, Poland, to Antoni and Maria Dworaczyk, Ula was the middle of four children and carried with her a vibrant love for life that touched everyone around her.

In 1982, Ula immigrated to the United States and poured her heart into building a new life. She became a proud American. In 1987, she married the love of her life, Edward Pawlus, and together they built a beautiful life. After a few years in Gaithersburg, Maryland, they settled in Lincolnshire in 1994, with their greatest joys, their children, Alex and Monica. Ula's warmth, humor, and devotion made her the heart of her home, and her role as wife and mother was the one she treasured most.

Ula possessed a quiet determination that inspired her to continue learning throughout her life. In 2005, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree from Northeastern Illinois University, an accomplishment of which she was very proud. For many years, she worked as a Claims Specialist with the Social Security Administration, where she became known for her patience, kindness, and genuine care for every person she served. Her dedication was recognized in 2014 with a prestigious nomination for Federal Employee of the Year.

At home, Ula expressed her love through the meals she prepared and the warmth of her hospitality. She was a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess, creating gatherings that were filled with generosity and joy. Holidays in her home were especially treasured, permeated with the aromas of her delicious dishes and the comfort of her welcoming spirit. Around her table, everyone felt cared for, included, and loved.

Ula was a devoted sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who consistently offered encouragement and kindness. Her nieces and nephews-Misia, Justin, Marc, Danny, Ian, Ada, Marcin, Marcel, and Antoni-along with many cousins, held a very special place in her heart. She also shared tender love with her cherished cats, Kiwi and Pebbles.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Edward; her children, Alex and Monica; her sister, Bozena Zabielska; her loving sisters-in-law, Janine, Maria, and Krystyna Pawlus; her brother-in-law Stan; her extended family; and countless friends who will forever carry her in their hearts. Ula will be remembered most for her warmth, her laughter, the meals she lovingly prepared, her gracious hospitality, and the unwavering love she gave to her family and friends. Her presence was a gift, and she will be deeply missed.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11th from 3-7pm at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude in memory of Ula. https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9015489&fr_id=154020&pg=personal&sc_icid=p2p-mypage