Wanda M. Kaminski

Wanda Marie Kaminski, 95 years old, peacefully passed away while in nursing care at Addolorata Villa Franciscan Care, the morning of July 25, 2022. Born in Chicago to Catharine and John Krechowiecki and blessed with an endearing and joyful personality, she grew into a young artist and strong student, attending Jones Commercial Junior Business School and later, Northwestern University. The autumn after completing Jones, she moved from home, leaving her parents and one, older sister, Helen (Sedivy). Wanda was curious to travel and made her way to Hollywood. Living and working there for five years, she became one of Cecil B. DeMille's star secretaries. She told how Mr. DeMille would greet her each morning saying, "Hello Sunshine, what will we work on today?" During this time, she managed the typed script production of the Ten Commandments. All the while, feeling her roots would always be with family in Chicago, she permanently returned in 1956. Frequently joining cousins and friends for dinner parties, one magical night she was introduced to the love her life, Andrew Kaminski. Upon first meeting, Andy knelt down on one knee and told her that she was the girl he had been searching for and that they would one day marry. In March, 1957 at St. Hedwig's Mission Church, they did just that and spent the next 47 years creating and enjoying a lovely, very busy life. Together, they raised two children and lived in Chicago, Elmwood Park, Oakbrook and Lake Forest. Wanda was an avid sportswoman, playing nearly four decades of tennis, golf, swimming and bowling - every sport another social adventure. Keeping faith, family and friends at the center of her life, she volunteered for organizations that blended all of these together. She was an active member of each parish she and Andy joined. She was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Oak Brook Garden Club and Gourmet Society, encouraging new recipes to be tested and shared at nightly family dinners or parties – of which there were many! However, her most gratifying and cherished association was as a longtime (1976) board member of the Illinois Club for Catholic Women (ICCW) and Auxiliary of the Presentation Ball, serving as photo historian for more than twenty years. Wanda's heart led her to the ICCW as it perfectly meshed with her desire to help others through the myriad of their philanthropic efforts. No matter the activity or the years of her life, she was constantly striving to weave her faith and love of family, friends and community together, creating heartwarming, memorable, loving and positive relationships. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, known for the beautiful way she dressed and decorated her home, her smiling conversations, her cards and photo albums, her daily Ferraro Rocher chocolates, her green thumb, and offering "boosters" of confidence-building advice and compliments to all who knew her. Never ceasing, her character epitomized living a life in which she abundantly showered the most important gifts of all – love and joy. She will be deeply missed by her beloved family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Mary K. Swift (John); son, John R. Kaminski, and daughter-in-law, Janis L. Hartley; five grandchildren, Maria Louisa Swift, Isabella Jane Swift, Lilia Hope Swift, Emma Catharine Liles (Victor), Alexander Gianni Kaminski (Emily) and niece, Rosemary Ketcham. Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial were on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at St. Patrick Church, 950 W. Everett Road, Lake Forest. Interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles. Info – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Illinois Club for Catholic Women (www.iccw.org) and Addolorata Villa, ATTN: Business Office, 555 McHenry Road, Wheeling, IL 60090.