Mary Bolek

Mary Agnes Bolek (nee Kuzma), age 91, of Joliet, Illinois passed away on March 25, 2026 at Lightways Hospice Care surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her beloved children Janet (Michael) Rotz of Downers Grove, Joni Bolek of Joliet, John (Tiffany) Bolek of Plainfield and James (Traci) Bolek of Sylvania, OH; fourteen cherished grandchildren — Dana, Katie (Jack) Richmond and Emma Rotz, Jack, Alex and Joey Casado, Josh, Jenna and Emily Bolek, Kristin (Nic) Leschinsky, Hannah (Braden) Risner, Andrew, Mathew and James (Nelly) Bolek; great-grandchildren Carter Richmond, Peyton and Maya Risner and Janel Bolek; dear sister Barbara Holbrook-Fraser; sister-in-law of Robert (Marie) Bolek; many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 66 years, John "Jack" Francis Bolek; her siblings Eugene (Joanne) Kuzma, Jim Kuzma and Carol (Kuzma) Allen; her brothers-in-law Dan Allen, Jim Holbrook and Eldon Fraser; and her beloved grandson Nicholas Bolek.

Mary was born in Joliet on July 6, 1934 to the late Frank and Agnes Kuzma. A graduate of Saint Francis Academy, she dedicated her life to raising her children. She enjoyed frequent vacations to Siesta Key, FL, cheering on the Chicago Bulls and Bears, and attending her children's and grandchildren's activities and sporting events. Mary loved to bake and was well known for her potica. She also enjoyed crocheting, with many of her handmade blankets finding their way to sofas and bedrooms throughout the extended family, a testament to her love.

Mary was a faithful parishioner of Holy Cross of Joliet for over 60 years and a devoted servant of her church community. She served as a church board member and volunteered for many parish activities — decorating the church for the holidays, helping plan the annual church picnic, and working in the parish kitchen for funeral luncheons and school lunches.

Since Jack's passing, Mary often expressed a deep longing to be reunited with her cherished husband, and her family takes comfort knowing she is now peacefully at his side.

Funeral from the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday March 31, 2026 to Holy Cross Church, 830 Elizabeth Street, Joliet, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, IL. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lightways Hospice Care, lightways.org.