Estelle (Pat) Sawicki

Estelle (Pat) Sawicki, 94, of Cherry Valley, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at SwedishAmerican Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born August 12, 1918 in Kewanee, IL; daughter of Phillip and Salomea (Kuzniar) Kula. Married Edward Sawicki in Rockford, IL in 1949, they enjoyed 62 years of true happiness together until he passed away in May 2011. Pat attended Rockford Business College, formerly Browns Business College and was employed at Kelly Williamson Company. Later, Pat owned and operated Pats Beauty Salon for many years. She was a talented painter and an active community volunteer. Pat was a longtime member of St. Stanislaus Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was a gift to all that who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Chris A. SawickiPortillo and her husband, Edward Portillo; grandson, Edward C. Portillo all of Cherry Valley; sisterinlaw, Sylvia Studzinski and her husband, Chester Studzinski of Harbor Springs, Michigan; sisterinlaw, Lottie Kula of Rockford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Edward Sawicki; brothers, Walter, Stanley and Joseph Kula; sisters, Anne Machnik, Catherine Dworak, Mary Wasney and Angela Antczak. The family would like to give special thanks to longtime caregiver and family friend, Randy.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 201 Buckbee Street, with Father Darek Barna officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.