Esther Nowak

Esther Nowak (Winslow) age 94, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024 surrounded by her family. 

Born on Sept. 29, 1929 and spent her earlier years in Chicago in the Bridgeport and McKinley Park neighborhoods.  In 1975, she moved to Custer Park and enjoyed being a cook at Custer Park Elementary School and attending her children’s sporting events.   She was a devoted and faithful Catholic and parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood where she taught CCD. Esther later became a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington and was a member of the Legion of Mary.

In honor of Esther, we ask that you give your loved ones a hug, love and forgive one another, and recite the rosary or have a Mass said in her honor.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Sander (Scott), Becky Phillips (Dave), Regina Burke (Tom), Richard Nowak (late Nancy), Bruce Nowak, Mark Nowak (Samantha), Mary Nowak, Matthew Nowak (Sandy), Guy Nowak (Gail), and Melissa Staser (Dan); and her beloved 33 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.  

She was blessed with very special neighbors and friends; especially her best friends Rosemary Cannon and Rosemary Shorkey, who were kindred spirits and were always there for her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Richard, her dear daughter, Susan, and granddaughter, Natalie. 

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Funeral services will follow the visitation at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 603 South Kankakee Street, in Wilmington at 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Sebastian Gargol.

Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Justice, Illinois, where Esther will be laid to rest with her husband, Richard.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Esther's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.