Mary Lee Repko

Mary Lee (Klima) Repko

Mary Lee Repko, 84, of Channahon, IL passed peacefully away on January 6, 2025. The last five years were a challenge and we rejoice that she is now in Heaven, free of pain and confusion. We will miss her dearly! 

She was born July 8, 1940, in Streator, Illinois to John and Leona (Novak) Klima. She married Richard Repko in 1960, moved to Channahon, and raised three daughters: Jamie (Chris) Molitor, Kristen (Howard) Hamilton and Jennifer Bronakowski, who blessed them with eight grandchildren: Mark, Eric and Anna Molitor, Aileen Hamilton (Christopher) Schaaf, Sean Isabel and Richard Hamilton, Haley and Zoe Bronakowski, and one great-granddaughter, Ada Schaaf, all of whom survive her along with brother Stefan (Christine) Klima and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Leona Klima and brother Donovan Klima. 

Mary Lee’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had amazing culinary skills and showered everyone around her with her “food is love” way of life. She also had a strong connection to her Slovak heritage and traditions.

Mary Lee worked at Lipton Tea in Streator, then Al Baskin and Joliet Medical Group in Joliet. She was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Joliet since 1961 where she taught Sunday School, coordinated Vacation Bible School, served on the Board and sang in the choir. 

Visitation will be Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10-11:45 am, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1910 Black Road, Joliet, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at noon. Internment will be at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

For those who wish, memorial donations to Our Savior Lutheran Church or your charity of choice would be appreciated.