Ona Kolis (née Račkauskaitė)

August 10, 2024

Ona Kolis, born in Kazlų Rūda, Lithuania, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024. She lived a remarkable 102 years, spending 74 of those years in America, where she built a life full of love, family, and cherished memories.

She was the beloved wife of the late Vytautas Kolis and the devoted mother of Janina Kolytė-Kilty and the late Vytautas Jonas Kolis. Her legacy of love and kindness is carried on by her son-in-law, Kurt Kilty, who was not only a dedicated husband to Janina but also a beloved member of Ona’s heart.

Ona was a loving sister to Aldona Matas, and the late Elena Baltušis, the late Eleonora Židonis, the late Antanas Račkauskas, and the late Julija Šumacher. She was fond of and grateful to her nephew, Andy Kolis, for his support and attention after Vytautas passed. She held profound appreciation for her sister-in-law, Irene Summers, whose love and support brought her much joy and comfort.

In her later years, Ona was blessed to have two exceptional caregivers, Vladė Laučiene and Vilma Pilinkiene, whose devoted care and attention made her final years more comfortable and filled with warmth. She appreciated their dedication more than words can express, and their presence was a great solace to her and her family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday at 9 am, followed by a Mass at 10 am at Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Mission in the Lithuanian World Center, 14911 127th St., Lemont, IL 60439. Burial will follow at St. Casimir Cemetery, where Ona will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Vytautas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ona’s memory to https://sunlightchildrensaid.org/

Ona’s life was a testament to personal courage, the strength of family, the bonds of love, and the enduring spirit of her Lithuanian heritage. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.