Anna Kaczmarek, age 85, passed away on May 8, 2026 in Highland, Indiana. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years: Boguslaw, and her children, Richard (late Karen) Kaczmarek and Juliet (Kevin) Ogborne, and grandchildren Michelle and Keith Kaczmarek, great grandson Mercer James, her siblings Helen (Jeff) Mazur, Casimira (late Raymond) Bilinski, Josephine Palusiak, Ursula (Stefan) Yanef and many nieces and nephews.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents Waclaw Palusiak and Pelegia Palusiak (nee Jankowska); siblings: Joanna, Czeslawa and Wojciech Palusiak, Maria (surviving husband Jan) Kaczmarek; Lucy (late George) Morikis, Roman (surviving wife Maritza) Palusiak and Chester Palusiak.

Anna was born on May 5, 1941, in Siedlimowo, Poland. As the eldest of the surviving 13 children, her childhood was primarily focused on taking care of her siblings. She worked incredibly hard for her family. Her fondest childhood memory was attending Sunday Mass and decorating the church with flowers from her garden.

In December of 1959, Anna, age 18, and her family immigrated to the United States, where she continued to support her family with fierce work ethic and determination. On a return visit to Poland, her life took a most joyful turn when she met the love of her life, Boguslaw ("Bob".) Their love story is undeniably epic! They decided within two hours of meeting that they would marry and planned a wedding two weeks later! They proceeded to have a life that anyone could only dream of having.

Anna became a life-long beautician, maintaining her own successful in-home beauty shop while raising their two children, Richard and Juliet. One cannot articulate the deep love she had for her children. Anna and Bob worked diligently to give their children every opportunity in life. They instilled values and work ethic while providing joyful experiences, most notably their love for hockey and tennis, family vacations in Escanaba, Michigan, and over 50 years of hosting memorable extended family gatherings, her favorite being Christmas. She even dressed as Santa!  But her greatest joy in life was the time she spent with their grandchildren Michelle and Keith, loving and supporting them in all of their endeavors.

Anna loved gardening, dancing and dressing with impeccable style. Her beauty shop was filled with never-ending stories enjoyed by all. Anna and Bob were the music directors for over 30 years at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (now New Lord of Mercy) in Harvey, Illinois.  They both loved to sing while he played the guitar.

Anna's cooking rivaled world-renowned chefs! Her family considers her lake perch, fried shrimp and potato pancakes the BEST and her mushroom soup is legendary. As a matter of fact, after preparing the soup for the whole family, she would loudly parade around, "who wanna soup!?" She was so funny! Her laughter was contagious! She lit up the room with her beautiful smile.

The last five years of her life were filled with countless health challenges, during which she again showed everyone that she is a warrior and force of nature. She will forever be remembered for her selflessness, her strength, her deep love of family and the extraordinary and epic love story she shared with her beloved "Bob." She will forever be his "Lalunia."

Friends are invited to visit with Anna's family on Friday, May 15 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Anna on Saturday, May 16 at 10:30 AM at St. James Parish, 9640 Kennedy Ave., Highland, IN. Following Mass, Anna will be entombed in Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL.