Dolores Sophia (Maczko) Jachec, of Park Ridge, IL passed away peacefully at the age of 93 in her Palm Bay, FL residence, after a three-year journey with dementia. Up until the end, Dolores maintained her joyful spirit and sheer delight in connection with others, sharing a smile easily, and never meeting a stranger. She lived a full and wonderful life, and was a gift to many.
Everyone has a story, and Dolores knew better than most how important stories are in telling what a family is all about. Her life was defined by her desire to be the keeper of stories for those she cared about, each one dotted with humor and told often, carrying the message of love that binds family and chosen framily together. She is the reason her family's Polish heritage is alive and thriving in her grandchildren.
Perhaps Dolores' greatest joy was children and youth. Her playful spirit shone - in her smile so wide it reached her eyes, in her easy laugh, her eagerness to be silly, and even in her bright fun clothing and jewelry. She loved to throw a party, and made every occasion into a party, no matter how small. As an adoring mom to Steven, and later a devoted Babcia to Harry & Max, Dolores had that unique ability to see the world as a child does, and knew just
how to make them feel seen and heard. Children in her presence felt like they belonged and were trusted. An unofficial mom to many, those she nurtured can be heard saying things like "she was like a second mom to me," or "she was there for me when my mom couldn't be." Dolores didn't think twice about knitting a desired sweater for a teen, finishing the blanket a friend's mom started but couldn't finish before cancer took her, or repairing a beloved stuffed animal. She was popular with her students too, some of whom remained in contact well into their adulthood.
Dolores was a gifted pianist, saving her money as an emerging adult to purchase her treasured baby grand rather than a car. She completed her master's in music at DePaul University and went on to teach music in both private and public schools, as well as offering private piano lessons at home. Long after retirement, Dolores was thrilled to be invited as a guest pianist in chapel at her grandsons' elementary school for grandparent's day. She played piano up until about her last six months of life. Her 105-year-old baby grand has been donated to DePaul University, where it will continue to educate generations of aspiring musicians to come.
Dolores' friendships carried her through the journey of her life. She and her friends traveled together, gathered for tea, played bridge, held dinner parties, talked about books, took in movies, hit the beach, and so much more. With some lifetime friendships carrying over from grade school, she knew the value of cultivating friendships and was the kind of friend who would call to listen, bake cookies, run errands, offer rides, and even take you (or your kid) on vacation.
A widow, Dolores lived the last eleven years of her life without her husband, her beloved Henry. These two loved to laugh together and with family. They loved to travel, entertain & most especially to dance. Together, they were a power couple when it came to generosity, and Dolores carried that forward after Henry's passing, encompassing a lifetime of giving to the church, St. Jude's, and through private donations.
Dolores maintained a quiet prayer life, but did share with friends and family how much she prayed over this or that need, especially novenas for healing when her loved ones were facing critical or long-term health challenges. It was important to her that her children and grandchildren know Christ, and the power of a relationship with Him. For that, we are forever grateful.
Simply put, to know Dolores is to know love. May her stories be passed down for generations to come.
Dolores was born August 8, 1931, in Chicago, IL, as a beloved daughter of the late Jakub & Zofia (nee Blok) Maczko. She was preceded in death by her darling husband of 47 years Henry Ernest Jachec, her brother Mitchell (the late Jean) Jachec, her brother Edward, and her sister Alice (S.M. Cecilia C.S.S.F).
She is survived by her son Steven Michael (Joey Lynn), her two grandsons Harrison Michael and Maxwell Henry of Melbourne, FL, and her brother James (Regina) Maczko of Lakemoor, IL, along with twenty-six very special nieces and nephews.
Dolores's family invites you to celebrate her life with us at a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, Friday, April 4, 2025, at Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church , 8624 West Normal Avenue, Niles, IL 60714. Private interment will be held at a later date and time.
Dolores loved to wear a good brooch for any occasion and especially special occasions. She's even been known to wear more than one at a time. Ladies attending her funeral services are encouraged to wear a brooch in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital are appreciated stjude.org For more funeral information please call (847) 966-7302; Services by Skaja Terrace Funeral Home