Pauline A. Hojnacki

Posted

obit-hojnackiFeb. 3, 1914-Oct. 8, 2014

Loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Born Apalonia Stemkoska in Chicago, Ill., to Adeline and Stanislaw Stemkoska, the youngest of five sisters. Living her early years on a homestead in Plover, Wis., she moved to Chicago at age 16, where she did domestic and factory work and later raised a family with her husband, Stanley A. Hojnacki. She spent her later years in River Grove, Ill.

Pauline is predeceased by her husband, Stanley, and her sisters: Bonnie (John) Kashew, Lottie (Martin) Leavitt, Jeanette (Walter) Wojtyna and Mary (Daniel) Jablinsky.

She is survived by her son, Stanley Hojnacki, Evanston, Ill.; daughter and son-in-law, Paulette and Jerrold Heber, Pagosa Springs; four grandchildren and their spouses, Ellyn (Brian) Jarvis, Santa Monica, Calif.; Amy Heber, Durango; Matthew and Alicia Heber, Pagosa Springs; Jarrett and Aliya Heber, Pagosa Springs; and seven great-grandchildren: Nolan, Emelia, Avery, Carter, Stella, Nia and Louis.

Although a resident of Pagosa Springs for only three-and-one-half years, Pauline has been inspirational by her incredible health and vitality. Many have been touched by her unwavering kindness, patience and positive attitude. When asked her secret to longevity, Pauline said, “Hard work and fresh air.” Her advice to others is, “Always be yourself.”

May God bless you, Pauline.