Marianne Czajkowski

Our beloved mother, Marianne (Nowogórski) Czajkowski, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 surrounded by her family. Marianne is survived by her children, Denise Krueger (Michael), Gregory Czajkowski, Kathleen Czajkowski, and Jonathan Czajkowski; her grandchildren William, Caroline and Charlotte Krueger and Sydney, Natasha and Lilian Czajkowski; her husband Richard Czajkowski; her brother and sister-in-law Steve and Maryann Nowak; and many extended family members and friends. She was the daughter of the late Thaddeus and Stephanie (Gurak) Nowogórski. Marianne was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 17, 1947. After graduating from Holy Family Academy in 1965, Marianne worked at First National Bank of Chicago. Smart and friendly, she enjoyed meeting people and was a favorite of staff and patrons alike. She married Richard Czajkowski on July 23, 1966 at St. Hedwig’s Church and shortly after joined him on Guam where they began their family. Marianne always put her family first as a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and wife. In the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s you could find Marianne on the sidelines at football, basketball, baseball, volleyball and softball games cheering on her kids, selling snacks, fundraising and organizing carpools. As an active volunteer at Our Lady of Grace School for almost 20 years, Marianne loved her jobs running hot dog day, helping out at bingo and organizing events. Hers was a welcoming, kind and familiar face to generations of families in our neighborhood, at our school and in our parish. Marianne spent much of her time as a loving and dedicated caregiver to her mother Stephanie. She was devastated by the loss of her mother and always kept her close at heart, regularly sharing stories and pictures with her children and grandchildren. Once her children were grown, Marianne’s compassionate nature and experience caring for her mother led to her career as an Activities Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home and then at The Grove in Evanston. She was adored by her residents. Generous, thoughtful and dependable, Marianne always greeted them with a smile, was kind and energetic even as her body began to slow down before she retired. She enjoyed her career working with the elderly, but Marianne’s true vocation was nanny to her grandchildren. Marianne took a break between jobs to care for them for many years and even moved across the country for a short while to help. The time she spent with each of her grandchildren was an absolute joy for her and so special to the children who will always remember their grandma’s love and attention. Marianne also had a special place in her heart for animals. There were always dogs and cats around the house and sometimes even birds, guinea pigs and mice! Skipper, Kodi, Scruffy, Lady, Trixie, Coco, Clancy, Lola, Mishu, Beau, Molly and so many others benefited from her love and care. The family will receive friends at the Casey Laskowski Funeral Home, 4540 W. Diversey Avenue, Chicago, on Monday, January 18 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 19 at 10:00am in the chapel at the Casey Laskowski Funeral home. Final services will be held at the chapel at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, 6800 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Marianne’s name to Catholic Charities of Chicago at https://www.catholiccharities.net/DonateNow/GeneralDonations.aspx