Theresa Rose Kolpak (nee Dziewiatkowski), age 93, a resident of Naperville, Aurora and formerly longtime of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Residence in Naperville. She was born on August 26, 1928 in Chicago.
Theresa is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Joseph Kolpak; her loving daughters, Mary (Charles) Hellman and Ann (Vince) Tabor; her cherished grandchildren, Todd Tabor and Faye (fiance Paul Mueller) Tabor; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, John Kolpak; her parents, Alexander and Philomena (nee Zukowski) Dziewiatkowski; and her siblings, Dominic (the late Naomi) Dziewiatkowski, John (the late Adeline) Dziewiatkowski, and Eleanor (the late White) Melville.
Theresa was born in Chicago but cherished her memories growing up on a farm in Decatur, Michigan. She spoke often of her escapades there, which included stories of driving a tractor at age 12, taking her brother’s Ford V8 for a 98-mile-per-hour jaunt down a country road, and various pranks she pulled on her cousins who visited from the city. She loved her many horses, dogs, and cats, as well as taking walks in the woods behind the family farm. She hated snakes.
After moving back to Chicago in her teens, she met–and later married-Joe Kolpak, literally the boy next door. The two wed in September of 1950 and enjoyed more than 71 years of marriage. Together they raised three children. She also nurtured her two grandchildren, numerous cats, and her beloved garden. Her mischievous nature will always be remembered. (Once while exiting a store, she flicked a switch to turn off all the lights.) She was famous for replying, “No” when told to “be good.” With every birthday, she turned 22.
Theresa enjoyed crafts, puzzles, going to the dentist, and traveling with her husband. Together they set foot on the soil of all 50 states. Her love of baking started with making pies on the farm and continued later in life with making kolacky at Christmas and seven-layer bars for her grandchildren to take on vacations. She also enjoyed preserving her favorite Michigan fruits in homemade jams.
All who knew Theresa instantly sensed her warmth and welcoming spirit. She was kind, generous, quick to help anyone in need, and a strong advocate for those with developmental disabilities. She led an ordinary life but was extraordinarily loved and will forever be missed by her family.
A private family interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, River Grove, IL.
Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, was entrusted with arrangements.
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Published by Legacy on Jan. 28, 2022.
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