Grace Olsowski Obituary
Grace Ann Olsowski (nee Schroeder) passed away September 22nd 2025 at the age of 97. Grace was born June 29, 1928, to Frank and Anastasia Schroeder. Born and raised in Chicago, she graduated from Knickerbacher Grammar School in 1942 and Waller High School in 1946. She worked at Chicago Lock Company until 1952 when she had her first child Linda and then Gerald in 1953. Grace returned to Chicago Lock Company a few years later until she retired at age 65. She married Leroy F Olsowski on June 24, 1950, a marriage of 52 years, that lasted until Leroy's death in 2002. Leroy and Grace moved to Glenview in 1961, where they built a home on a half-acre lot they purchased. They built the home themselves with the help of family and friends. A home large enough to raise their 2 children and accommodate Graces mother Anastasia (Stazy) who lived with them and helped care for Linda and Gerald, as Grace returned to work. Grace lived in this home until 2021 when she was no longer able to live on her own. In 2021 she moved to an assisted living facility in Park Ridge where she enjoyed playing cards dice and her favorite, bingo. During their marriage Leroy and Grace loved to travel. Too many cruises to count to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska. They traveled to many states including Florida, and many trips to Las Vegas. Grace also traveled to Denmark with girlfriends and went on a Mediterranean cruise to Greece and Egypt with several friends. During her long life she had many hobbies including a weekly bowling league for decades. She enjoyed playing cards and pool with weekly get togethers with her many friends. Grace had passion for gardening, cooking and baking. Grace is survived by her 2 children Linda (Richard) Sarmento and Gerald Olsowski. Along with 3 granddaughters Kimberly, Laura, and Kathryn, and 6 great-grandchildren Nash, Drew, Cole, Dakota, Adam and Bryce. She is also survived by her lifelong friend Darlene Eaton, friends from the age of 4. She was preceded in death by her husband Leroy, granddaughter Sharon Lee Sarmento, her brothers Stanley, John, Leonard, Raymond, and sister Eleanor (Kass).
A celebration of her life was held on October 11th at Palm Court Restaurant in Arlington Heights with her immediate family and a few close friends. Grace had a long healthy life that was well lived and well loved. May she rest in peace. Arrangements by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit http://www.glhillsfuneralhome.com..
