Caroline Madeline Plodzien

Date of Birth: April 22, 1921

Date of Death: December 14, 2019

IN LOVING MEMORY . . .

Caroline Madeline Plodzien, nee Rebholz, went home to Jesus on Saturday, December 14, 2019, peacefully, with a smile, as she’s been waiting to be welcomed by Him for quite some time. She was surrounded by her family, at home as she wanted and was blessed to receive the grace of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick that evening. She was also blessed by excellent neighborhood caregivers the last years of her life. They were exceptional in their care, concern and compassion and they became her loving friends.

Caroline lived a long, full, accomplished life and was admired by family and friends alike. She was born before the Great Depression, the eldest of seven children. She had six brothers whom she loved dearly. Her mother was only 18 years old when she was born, so she became a second mother to her siblings. She worked as a comptometer operator at an appraisal firm after high school and was so willing and proud to offer her weekly paycheck to her parents to help the large family. She loved to go dancing and met the love of her life, George, at a neighborhood gathering spot. However, George told her that he wasn’t a very good dancer but no matter to her because she said she was attracted to him because of his strong faith in God. She lived in the spirit of faith as well and they spent 64 years together raising a family of three. George was a resident of Norwood Park and owner of the Norwood Park Wholesale Florist along with his family. For many years, she assisted in the retail area during the busy seasons – poinsettias at Christmastime, lilies at Eastertime, geraniums in spring and summer. They felt proud that they could generously provide beautiful seasonal flowers to adorn the altar of St. Thecla parish. She was a devoted mother and homemaker, still continuing to work part-time for the appraisal company. She enjoyed playing the piano and played beautifully. She was an accomplished seamstress honing the craft from her mother and her creative talents took her from dresses to draperies. She was a savvy Marshall Field’s shopper and going there was a fun excursion. Since it was difficult for George to take much time away from the flowers, she used her ingenuity and discovered an idyllic vacation spot not too far away, in the name of Door County, WI. They were pioneer vacationers there. To this day, the whole family from children to great grandchildren frequent this resort area and owe their love of this special place to her “discovery” that was not too far away so as not to be gone from nurturing the budding flowers. Caroline was proud of her German heritage and especially enjoyed things that were “made in Germany.” She traveled there several times to visit her closest in age brother, Walter. He was based there in the military, married a German girl, and became a military lifer and permanent resident. She loved to bring back authentic German souvenirs to her children and grandchildren, especially for Christmas. Her son-in-law always marveled at the wonderful holiday meals she prepared for the family. She knew how to put a modern twist on the classic family favs. Caroline was young at heart even into her 90s – always curious and wanting to be in the know of what was trending at the time.

Her faith was of great importance to her in her life and she was grateful for God’s many blessings. She was a dutiful daughter assisting and supporting her parents in the trials and tribulations of raising all those boys. She took wonderful care of her ailing mother in her later years, always at her side. Many years later, she became a caregiver herself to a lovely lady. She was generous of spirit, supportive and extended great compassion. Homebound in her later years, Caroline became an even stronger prayer warrior. She prayed not only for herself, family, and friends, but also, as she always noted, for the whole world! This may very well be the reason that God did not come for her timely – He counted on her universal prayers!

To her children, she was a constant source of protection, guidance, support and resourcefulness. In any dilemma, she could devise a strategy for a positive resolution. To her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly and so enjoyed, she was their confidante and most supportive, encouraging cheerleader in all their endeavors whether successful or otherwise. She enjoyed being a spectator at their school functions and sporting events. She always commented on how she felt especially blessed to be able to attend her granddaughter’s many musical performances of song and dance and piano throughout many years. To her great grandchildren she was old great grandma but they enjoyed coming over to her house to see her (not to mention they also loved the Superdawg carryouts for lunch and rummaging around in the basement). She lit up at their antics and marveled at their innocence. To her, they were pure joy!

Caroline was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, relative, and friend to many. She will be forever remembered for her devotion to God and family and for her sweet, humble spirit. Rest in peace, dear Caroline, and may all those you consoled in your life welcome you into the place of eternal JOY.

Caroline was the beloved wife of 64 years of the late George John Plodzien. Loving mother of Gayle (Ted) Wala, Richard (Judith) Plodzien and Paul Plodzien. Proud grandmother of Matthew (Aileen) Wala, Hillary (Hugo) Dubovoy, Michael (Lauren) Plodzien and Nicholas Plodzien. Great-grandmother of Jessica Plodzien, Luke and Claire Dubovoy, and George Peter Wala. Dear sister of Robert (Judith) Rebholz, and the late Walter (Eva), Frank (Doris), Kenneth (Arlene), Michael (Virginia) and Edward Rebholz. She was a very fond aunt to many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2019, at 10:00 AM at St. Thecla Catholic Church, 6725 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60631. Inurnment, Maryhill Catholic Cemetery, 8600 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL.  following Mass.  In lieu of flowers, be kind and compassionate to one another.