Evelyn Joan Merwin (Nee Obarski)

Merwin, Evelyn Joan (nee Obarski)
78, of Mokena IL, passed away Monday, September 19, 2011, at home following a courageous battle with breast cancer that took her body but not her spirit. She passed away peacefully, with her husband of 58 years by her side. Many friends and relatives had the opportunity during Evelyn's last days to spend quality time with her. She was born December 7, 1932, in Chicago, IL to Casimir and Rose Obarski. She married John T. Merwin on May 24, 1953. He lives on to take care of the family of five children, Janice (Steve) Brown, Sharon (Greg Spiess), Nancy Krabbenhoeft, Michael Merwin, Mary Beth (Ken) Kaczmarek, 12 grandchildren Nicolle Glover, Noelle Appleman; Kevin, Chris, and Nick Krabbenhoeft; Carl Spiess; Tracy and Casey Merwin; Elizabeth and Jeff Heaton, Nicole and Katelyn Kaczmarek, and 5 great-grandchildren (Duncan and Rowan Glover, Cade Appleman, and Pelle and Adelaide Krabbenhoeft.) Evelyn had four sisters (Theresa Swortz, Sylvia Parker, Sr. Rose Marie Obarski, CFSN, and Mary Ann Parsons) and two brothers (Casimir Obarski and Robert Obarski) of whom Robert, Sylvia, Sr. Rose Marie, and Mary Ann survive as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Always loving, caring and thoughtful, Evelyn taught her children and grandchildren the gift of service to others by example and actively volunteered her time and efforts for others. Whether helping at her church, serving at the senior center, keeping the St. Jude Food Pantry stocked, or delivering Meals on Wheels in New Lenox, she exemplified a positive attitude and boundless charity. Evelyn's greatest passions were gardening and grandkids. Flowers and children grew straight, strong and beautiful under her guiding touch. To spend an afternoon with Evelyn was to learn to see a new, positive outlook on life and living. Friends and clergy who came to comfort her in her last days left uplifted by her attitude and faith. Evelyn will be remembered for many wonderful attributes and will be deeply missed by her friends and family as a true friend, loving mentor, devoted wife, incredible mom and loving Gramma to her grandkids. Family will receive friends on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 3PM to 8PM at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL. Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 24, 2011 beginning with prayers at 9:30 AM at the memorial chapel to St Jude's Catholic Church, 241 Second Ave., New Lenox, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM.. Private Family Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. One of Evelyn's last requests was that in lieu of flowers, those attending Mass and the Wake bring non-perishable food items for the St. Jude Food Pantry. Memorial contributions may also be made to Susan G. Komen For The Cure, Chicago Affiliate, 8765 West Higgins Rd, Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60631, the St. Jude Food Pantry, or a charity of choice.