Marianne Wojcik Polli
Marianne Wojcik Polli, age 83, a longtime resident of Western Springs, passed away peacefully on June 19th at home, surrounded by family and friends. She loved her husband, George, who died 14 years ago, without reservation. She loved her daughters, Jenny (Jeff) Lancaster and Andrea (John Donalds) Polli, with a fierce pride and a deep and enduring delight. But it was in the presence of her grandchildren—Jeffrey, Mary, Ren, and Isa—that the depth of her affection found its greatest expression. “Gigi,” as they called her, showered them with unrelenting tenderness, enthusiasm, and encouragement. It came effortlessly; every gesture, every word made clear that she found each thing they did, said, or dreamed up as utterly fascinating and wonderful. Her optimism and joy were tireless—and contagious. Friends and family often found themselves shaking their heads in admiring disbelief: she was, simply, a relentlessly positive, contented and delightful woman. Her living room was full of laughter and life, the melodies of musicals from the 50’s, and familiar stories of the old days.
This same generous spirit carried her through 35 years as an educator in the Chicago Public Schools (Pickard, Yale and DePriest). Her love for her students and her talent for shaping young hearts and minds were as evident and unwavering as the smile on her face. She worked with extraordinary teachers and aides, whom she esteemed. She had lifelong friends from childhood, college (DePaul University) and her professional life. She adored her family – parents, sister, cousins, nieces and nephews, and in-laws. She boasted constantly about her wonderful neighbors. She lived long and well, and with no regrets.
There will be a wake on Tuesday, June 24 from 3 to 8pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. On Wednesday, June 25 there will be a Funeral Mass at 11am at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs, IL with luncheon to follow. Interment private. Funeral information: (708) 352-6500
May eternal light hone upon her, and may she rest in peace
Beloved Gigi, we will miss you 🥰
Patti
Marianne was truly an inspiration of love, service and resilience. Remembering so many fond memories of great conversations as she graciously welcomed so many into her full and meaningful life. She will be dearly missed! Prayers of peace and comfort to her family.
Though I only got to meet “Gigi” once, the gift of her warm smile and kind, supportive love for her family truly blessed my soul!! Glory to God for her life!!
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2).
Gigi -“a relentlessly positive, contented and delightful woman”. I understand perhaps just a touch of what she might’ve been like because I’m familiar with these traits in her daughter Jenny. May she find peace and may her family find solace in knowing she has lived life fully and is now in a restful place. ❤️
Marianne and I knew each other since we were 5-year-olds we always had a good time together she was always pretty cool and very kind we were able to stay in touch throughout the years I was just coming to Chicago on the 23rd I didn’t tell her cuz I didn’t surprise her but that didn’t work out too well hopefully I will make the funeral at least God bless her and her family Jenny thank you so much for doing such a great job and keeping her safe and comfortable God bless all
Our heartfelt wishes to you, dear Jenny, and to all your loved ones, for Marianne’s joyful passage into the Beyond.
Love and blessings,
Sabina and Bruce
The righteous man perishes and no one lays it to heart and merciful and devout men are taken away, with no one considering that the uncompromisingly upright and godly person is taken away from the calamity and evil to come.
Isaiah 57:1 (AMPC)
My prayers are with you, Jenny, Jeff and the entire family.
Rest in perfect peace Mom.
Although others have known Marianne better than I, I am pretty sure that I knew Marianne a lot longer than others; we both grew up in a two-flat building on Chicago’s southwest side; Marianne, sister Joanie, parents, Al (“Mapy”) and Lottie, with dogs Sparky (mean) and Duke (nice), who lived on the first floor, my family and I on the second. I first met Marianne at the ripe old age of two, and Marianne was a new born. I join, wholeheartedly with comments of others. I might add that she was very friendly, talkative, intelligent and nice. I last talked to Marianne, with great assistance from Jennifer, two days before she died, and I last saw her six years ago while visiting Chicago. Both times I told her that she is a class act, and she was. She made her mark and will be missed.
Dear Marianne,
Words have not been written nor ever will be, by any famous poet to express the sadness and loneliness which are in my heart.
Growing up together, we shared many wonderful memories. Nothing will ever replace that.
But, do not despair, I will talk to you twice a day as we always did. I will be watching TCM with you every day too Remember, no funny business up there, unless you tell me about it first.
Goodbye, my Precious Friend and Cousin.
Aunt Marianne was a wonderful person, who had the biggest heart, sincerest smile, and was intensely loyal to her family and loved ones. My deepest condolences to Jennifer, Andrea, the grandkids, and the rest of the extended family. Gigi will be dearly missed by all, and I will always treasure each and every time I had the privilege to spend with her.
What a blessing I had to see Gigi a few times when she visited in California. Her smile was delightful as well as our conversations. Sending my love and prayers to the family she leave behind. Mariam
I don’t recall ever having had the honor of meeting Jenny’s mom in person, but have heard and witnessed her important influence on her daughter and family. What a delight to read of her life history and the mark she left on this world through this warmly and well written obituary post.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5.4
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family and many friends who are deeply grieving and missing Gigi’s physical presence with you. May you each have peace that surpasses all understanding and hearts of hope in a heavenly reunion with her one day in the presence of our good and merciful, loving and sovereign God.