Sylvia Wisniowicz

Sylvia Wisniowicz (née Linert), age 100, of Orland Park, Illinois

With heartfelt sorrow and deep love, we announce the passing of Sylvia on Thursday, May 21, 2026, who lived a remarkable 100 years filled with faith, devotion, and an abiding love for her family.Sylvia was the beloved wife of the late Walter Wisniowicz, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership. She was a devoted and loving mother to Robert (Joyce) Wisniowicz, Carol (Peter) Chamales, and the late Thomas Wisniowicz.Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a cherished grandmother to Pamela Chamales, Kimberly (Decker McElroy) Chamales, and James (Brittany) Chamales, and a proud great-grandmother to Ava and Ella.Sylvia was the dear sister of Connie (Casey) Kazmierowicz, and a treasured sister-in-law to Bernice “Bebe,” who lovingly stood by her side since 2010, offering constant companionship. She was also a fond and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Emily, Stephanie, Leo and Natalie.A woman of strong faith, Sylvia was a devout Catholic whose spirituality guided her throughout her life. She was an active and dedicated member of St. Michael’s Parish, where she lent her voice to the funeral choir and participated faithfully in the Rosary Prayer Group.Sylvia had a deep appreciation for nature and beauty. As a member of the Chicago Garden Club, she earned recognition for her beautiful home garden from Mayor Daley. As a member of the Orland Park Garden Club, she shared her passion for gardening by authoring the monthly newsletter.Sylvia will be remembered for her warmth, her gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and her boundless love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave.She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.Visitation will be held at Orland Funeral Home, 9900 W 143rd St, Orland Park, IL. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Funeral Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Prayers will take place at Orland Funeral Home at 9:45 am followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 13350 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL.Interment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Justice, IL.Eulogy:This is a brief look into Mom’s life starting with her early married days.My parents, older brother Tommy and I lived in a one bedroom, ground level apartment on 25th and Sacramento.
The apartment was part of a two flat. We shared a laundry room with other renters.
Few families had a car.Nearly all of our relatives lived within a few blocks of us.The neighborhood meeting places were Sportsman’s Bar and St. Casimir’s Church.Many people drank, gambled and raced pigeons.During these early years, Mom became the driving force the family needed.
She always had a full time job.
Her favorite saying was “If you want something done right, do it yourself”.Mom always had a plan.In 1960, at the age of 35, Mom learned to drive.
Driving was a prerequisite to us moving out of the neighborhood.
We moved to a two bedroom, one bath house on 46th and Kedvale in Chicago.My parents paid for it with cash. They always said,“If you can’t pay for something in cash…you shouldn’t buy it.”I recently told Mom that moving there was the best thing she ever did.In 1962, my sister Carol was born, and our family was complete.The worst time of our lives was July, 1969.That’s when my brother Tommy died in Vietnam. He was 19.
His death crushed our family for years.My cousin Jim is here today.
Jim was in Vietnam at the time of Tommy’s death and was chosen to accompany Tommy home.Jim, even though it was an honor for you to be chosen,being back home again surrounded by family and friends for a few weeks, and then going to back to Vietnam to continue fighting, had to be so incredibly difficult.
I want you to know how grateful our we were and are for that sacrifice.In the early 90s, Mom and Dad moved to a condominium in Orland Park be closer to all of us. They were able to spend a lot of time with Carol and Pete’s children…Pam, Kim and Jimmy. They were such a joy for her.In 2005, we built a large addition to our home for Mom and Dad.That was Joyce’s idea.
We had some good years with Mom and Dad living with us.
Shortly after Dad passed away in 2010, we invited my Aunt Bebe to come and live with my Mom. This was just after Bebe had several heart procedures.
We thought it best that she not live alone.
I know that some of you are wondering where Bebe is today. Her dementia is getting worse. She is not well enough to be here.Mom’s perfect day living with us was attending an early mass, staying for the rosary, stopping at the bakery and then working endless hours in her garden.
Those activities kept her young.As my final words to Mom -My mind still talks to you.
My heart still looks for you.
My soul knows you are at peace.Thank you for everything.