Laureen Martyka

Laureen H. Martyka

Age 67 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Friday December 26, 2008 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born August 09, 1941 in Chicago, Laureen is a daughter of Helen and the late Chester Garbaczewski. She worked many Spring seasons at Vilt's Greenhouse in Wilmington and also held employment at both the Empress and Harrah's Casinos. Laureen was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, where she was very active at the school while her children and grandson attended. She loved gardening, cooking and traveling, and was known to be a terrific travel companion. Laureen was very musical and was a former organ instructor in Chicago. She was a close friend, companion and loving daughter to her mother Helen, who survives her.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years: Joseph; mother: Helen Garbaczewski; children: Jeff (Tina) Martyka of Wilmington, David (Kathleen) Martyka of Joliet, Merry Jo Martyka of Wilmington and Scott (Nancylee) Martyka of Plainfield; eight grandchildren: Brandi, Jeremy, Justin, Samuel, Maxwell, Royce, Nicholas and Marissa Laureen; one brother: Brother Gregory Timothy Smyth, CFC of Chicago and two sisters: Cathy Rimkus of Cary and Gloria (Bob) Pluta of Woodridge

Laureen was preceded in death by her father and grandparents.

Visitation be held Sunday December 28, 2008 between the hours of 3:00PM and 7:00PM, with a prayer vigil at 4:00PM and Monday December 29th from 9:00AM until 9:30AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 N. Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington.

Funeral services will follow on Monday at 10:00AM in Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Steve Bondi officiating.

Burial will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Laureen's memory to a charity of the donor's choice.

Friends may sign the online Guest Book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)