Estelle C. Dudiak

Estelle Christine Dudiak
Estelle Christine (Jakubiak) Dudiak, aged 92, passed away peacefully after a short illness on October 13, 2015. She was born in Chicago, IL, on Dec. 17, 1923, the daughter of the late Valentine and Stella (nee Majewski) Jakubiak, formerly of Poland.

She was the youngest child in her family and grew up with her late, half sisters Mary Stephens and Wanda Stevens. Her sister Helen and brother Leo died in infancy. Estelle had a lovely voice and sang in many choirs.

Estelle came of age during World War II. She met a dashing young officer at the opulent Trianon Ballroom in Chicago. Frank Henry Dudiak and she married on Oct 28, 1944. They had a loving, 65 year marriage. Frank and Estelle were accomplished graceful ballroom dancers. Frank passed in 2009.

They were blessed with three children Nicholas (Norma) Dudiak of Augusta, MI, David (Richard) Dudiak of Plainfield, IL and Patricia (Robert) Rogers of Chicago, IL. Grandchildren are Michael (Cambria) Dudiak, Phillip Dudiak, Melissa Galvao, Natalee and William Rogers. Great grandchildren are Kyle, Tyler and Jaxson Dudiak and Kaylan Galvao. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. Estelle was a loving mother and wife and was devoted to her family.

Estelle and Sgt. Major Frank were a career military couple. They lived in Washington D.C., Maryland, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Portugal, Maryland, Chicago, Tinley Park and Matteson, IL. Estelle worked for many years at the Tinley Park High School cafeteria and made lifelong friends there. She volunteered at the St. George Church, the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, and for the Nat. Active and Retired Federal Employees Assoc. (NARFE). In their later years they enjoyed bowling and playing cards with friends. Estelle was a gifted oil painter and created many beautiful family portraits and natural scenes.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday, October 18, 2015, from 2 until 8 p.m. at the Vandenberg Funeral Home at 17248 S. Harlem Ave, Tinley Park, 708-532-1635. There will be a brief morning service at 9:30 am at Vandenberg before a procession to the church. The funeral service and mass will be held Monday, October 19, 2015 at 10:00 am at St. George Church, 6700 W. 175th Street in Tinley Park, IL. Interment will immediately follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums at 7201 Archer Ave, Justice, IL. 708-458-4770.

Her family would like to thank the many caregivers for the love and excellent care given to Estelle in Senior Star at Weber Place in Romeoville and Manor Care at Hinsdale.

Memorials may be given to the St George Church in Estelle’s memory, or the National Parkinson Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org or 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. To read more about Estelle’s life, to sign her guest book and to leave your own memory of her, please visit her web page at www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com .