Jadwiga Lapinska, 83, of Niles, IL passed away on September 16, 2023. She is survived by her children Andrzej and Anna, her grandchildren Anna, Jessica, Caroline, Daniel, Emily, and Alexandra, and her great-grandchildren Lily, Emma, Evelina, Adam, and Gabriel.

Jadwiga was born in February 1940 in Turzyn, Poland. She was the youngest of five sisters. From an early age she took an interest in the medical field. She studied in Warsaw and later worked as a nurse in Wyszków, Poland. Years later, a twist of fate required her to travel to America to take care of a family matter. With a solid resolve, she boarded the historical Batory boat all alone and embarked on her first trip to the US.

As time passed, she decided the US was the place of opportunity for her family to grow and thrive. Eventually, Jadwiga, her husband Jerzy, and their children Andrzej and Anna packed up and left for Chicago. Jadwiga continued her career as a nurse in Chicago. She worked at St. Joseph's nursing home for almost 30 years, until her retirement in 2010.

Jadwiga was a hard-working woman who was always passionate about her job. She was generous and always willing to help in a time of need. She always encouraged her grandchildren to get a career in the medical field. Much to her pleasure, four of them did. She enjoyed spending time with family and had a great influence on those around her. She traveled to Poland to visit her sisters and other loved ones. Back home in the US she was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jadwiga was a pioneer who laid the roots for her family's success in the US. She will always be appreciated and remembered. The wake will take place on Friday, September 22 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Skaja Funeral Home, 7812 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714. The funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:15am going to St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N Harlem Ave, Niles, IL 60714 for mass at 11:00am. Interment Maryhill Cemetery, Funeral info: 847-966-7302