Mary Lou Piotrowicz

Mary Lou Piotrowicz (née Rzepecki), 93, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, in Glenview, Illinois, with her family by her side in the days before her transition to the Heavenly Father’s embrace. Born on February 3, 1932, in Evanston, Illinois to Louis (Ludwig) and Mary (Marianna Jasinski) Rzepecki, Mary Lou lived a life that was rich in love, laughter, and lasting memories from both her immediate family and numerous relatives she adored.

Mary Lou was the loving wife of Stanley Piotrowicz Jr., who predeceased her, and the proud mother of four children. She is survived by three of her children: Mary Jo Barbosa (Rick) of Hoffman Estates, IL; Jack Piotrowicz (Kathy) of Evanston, IL; and Carol Munson (John) of Larkspur, CA. She leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Mark Worthley of Phoenix, AZ; Cammie Munson Baliczek (Dariusz) of San Francisco, CA; Miranda Piotrowicz of Salt Lake City, UT; and Lindsey Piotrowicz of Glenview, IL. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Paul Piotrowicz.

At the heart of Mary Lou’s world was her family. She took great joy in gathering with loved ones for birthdays, holidays, and simple Sunday dinners with delicious food, sharing life’s stories and laughter in abundance. Many summer days were spent taking the kids to swim at Lee Street Beach in Evanston. The family’s annual trips to Wisconsin with cousins were the highlight of the summer, and among the memories the whole family held dear. In their later years, Mary Lou and Stan ventured to Poland to immerse themselves in their family history and connect with relatives residing there. They also discovered a passion for cruising aboard their favorite ship, the MS Rotterdam, visiting regions like the Caribbean, passing through the Panama Canal, and exploring Alaska along with several countries in Southeast Asia.

Mary Lou held various interesting jobs throughout her life, but her most professionally gratifying was the position she held until retirement in the Human Resources Department at Kraft Foods. She found great fulfillment assisting new hires and employees, always with a smile and a desire to make others feel welcome.

What people will remember most about Mary Lou is her boundless love for her family. She passed down treasured Polish traditions, creating beautiful memories for her children and grandchildren. Her laughter, warmth, no-nonsense approach to life, and genuine care for those around her will be deeply missed. One of her most cherished moments came a month before her passing, on her 93rd birthday, February 3rd. Surrounded by eight of her children, grandchildren, and their spouses, she joined them in singing the beloved Polish birthday song, Sto lat, which means "One Hundred Years" and is a heartfelt wish for a long and happy life. It is a treasured moment for all of us who celebrated with her.

We can all find comfort in that Mary Lou certainly did live a long, happy and full life. Mary Lou’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She touched lives with her kindness and her unwavering love for her family, and she leaves behind a legacy of warmth and affection that will never be forgotten.