Janina Roszak Kubanek

July 23, 1941 – January 23, 2026

Janina Roszak Kubanek, a woman whose life was defined by resilience, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to family, passed away peacefully in her own bed on January 23, 2026, at the age of 84. She was surrounded by the children and in-laws she adored, holding their hands as she took her final breath.

A Life Defined by the Journey

Janina's story began with a miracle. Born on July 23, 1941, on a train bound for Siberia during World War II, she was nearly lost to the harsh conditions of the train journey. Saved by the quick actions of a fellow passenger, Janina and her mother Bronislawa survived a women's work camp in Russia before returning to Poland at age four, where her family was finally reunited with her father Antoni.

In 1965, seeking a new horizon, Janina boarded the Stefan Batory for the United States. Though she began her American dream in Buffalo, New York, she eventually found her home in Chicago. With characteristic boldness, she landed her first job at a travel agency by claiming she could type, a skill she didn't have yet, but one she quickly mastered through her sheer determination and legendary work ethic that was born from grit.

An Entrepreneur and Community Leader

Janina eventually founded her own travel agency, Orbit Travel Service, turning her lifelong connection to "the journey" into a career. She was a fixture in the industry, serving as a Director of SPATA (Society of Polish American Travel Agents). Known for her "first-class" devotion, she famously accompanied her clients to the airport, personally guiding them through check-in, to their gates, and onto the airplane itself. A reflection of her belief that every journey mattered.

The Heart of the Family

In 1976, Janina married Ryszard, her devoted husband of 27 years until his passing. Together they built a life centered on their four children. Though she worked tirelessly, her focus was always on her family's happiness, ensuring they had the most delicious home-cooked Polish meals, sports camps, a reliable car, and summer memories in Wisconsin Dells and South Haven. Janina ensured her children never felt wanting.

To Janina, the world was vast, but home was everything. Janina's greatest legacy was her family, and her life revolved around her four children and seven grandchildren. She was the planner of every holiday, using Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas as classrooms to teach her greatest lesson: Family is the most important thing. She lived for their voices on the phone and the joy of a full house during the holidays.

She is survived by her children; Thomas (Lisa), Beata (David), Matthew (Katherine), and Katherine, her seven cherished grandchildren; Anna, Alex, Samuel, Calvin, Ettiene, Owen and Simon. She was preceded in death by her parents Bronislawa and Antoni, and her husbands, Jerzy and Ryszard.

Janina's life-long journey came full circle, from a child on a train in the frozen tundra to a woman who traveled the globe, she finally reached her final peaceful destination, leaving behind an amazing family she built who will forever carry her strength and love in their hearts.

A public mass will be held on Friday 2/6/2026 at 1:30pm at St Hyacinth Basilica in Chicago. Other services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Polish American Association [www.polish.org]