On Monday, March 25, 2024, Wladyslawa “Lottie” Kinel, 94, peacefully passed away. Wladyslawa was born in Iwonicz, Poland, on October 23, 1929. It was in Iwonicz where she met and married the love of her life, Karol Kinel.  Lottie and Karol were married for 11 years before his untimely death in January 1969 at the age of 40.

In September 1968, Wladyslawa and her two children, Anthony and Isabelle immigrated to the United States to be reunited with Karol. Tragically, Karol passed away a mere four months later as the family settled in Chicago.

 A widow at age 39, in a new country, where she didn’t speak the language, and was away from her family, Wladyslawa bravely started a new life with her two young children (10 & 8).  It wasn’t easy by any means, but she found a job, put Tony and Iza through Catholic grade school, high school, and college.  Lottie’s main priority was her children and she always ensured they were safe, healthy, and happy.  At only 5 feet tall and no more than 110 pounds, her strength and determination to make a better life for her family despite all the obstacles is nothing short of amazing.  She remained a strong and loving Mom until the very end and was completely devoted to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lived in Chicago for 56 years and never remarried.

Lottie is survived by her son, Anthony and his wife JoEllen Kinel (nee Fontana), and her daughter Isabelle (Sam Soteros) Kinel.  She was blessed with three beloved grandchildren: Anthony, Karlie (John Malizzio), and Matthew.  Wladyslawa was privileged to be the great-grandmother to three incredibly beautiful and adventure-filled great-grandsons, Johnnie, Angelo and Anthony. She is also survived by her brothers, Jozek (Marysia) Kandefer, Jan (Irena) Kandefer, and sister, Helena Kandefer, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Antoni and Maria (nee Litwin) Kandefer, sister, Zosia Jakubczyk and brother, Staszek Kandefer. 

Wladyslawa’s life was a remarkable tapestry of courage, devotion, and unyielding strength.  She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family, friends and those whose lives she touched.

A visitation for Lottie will be held Tuesday, April 2, from 4pm-8pm at Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center, 6471 N Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL 60631. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul of the Cross Church on Wednesday, April 3, at 12:30pm, 320 S Washington Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068.