Elaine B. Oleksy

LAKE IN THE HILLS – Elaine Barbara (Witkiewicz) Oleksy, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at UnityPoint - Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA. She resided at Galena Stauss Nursing Home in Galena after living in her home in Lake in the Hills for 27 years and in Hanover Park for 27 years prior. She was born on August 26, 1937, in Chicago, to Stanley and Victoria (Przechszta) Witkiewicz. She was the younger sister of Evelyn and the older sister of Stanley. Elaine married Ernest F. Oleksy on October 8, 1960, at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in River Forest. They celebrated fifty beautiful years of marriage together and renewed their vows at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Crystal Lake. She graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park and attended Chicago Teacher’s College. Elaine retired after many years of service to Einstein and Aldrin Elementary schools in Schaumburg. Both Elaine and Ernie were long-time members of the Royal Order of the Moose where they enjoyed celebrating holiday gatherings with their grandchildren. Elaine always made holidays special for her loved ones by cooking and baking traditional family recipes. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs and Bulls fan. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Stanley (Maureen) Witkiewicz; her two daughters, Holly (Gary) and Melanie (Ron) Zieman; and her five grandchildren, Jeffrey (Rachel), Danny (Penny), Ryan, Kaitlyn (Cade) Donker, and Austin; and four great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Zackery, Riley, and Emma. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister. Private visitation followed by a Mass celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:30 am in Woodstock, IL. Interment will be in Crystal Lake Memorial Park in Crystal Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine’s memory to Moose Charities: Mooseheart Child City & School Inc. would be appreciated.