On Sunday, January 3, 2021, Jean Catherine Kalish (nee Styrkowicz), loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of nearly 100. Jean was born on March 23, 1921 in Chicago, IL to Andrew and Mary (Potempa) Styrkowicz.

Beloved wife of the late Casimir (Casey) Kalish, together, they raised three daughters, Andrea (Hennie) Reynders, and twins, Susan (Wayne) Lodarek, and Jeanine (Constantino) Mitchell.

Jean was a devout Catholic, who regularly attended mass on Sundays at Holy Innocence Parish, where she also attended school, was married, and eventually raised her family there. Birthdays and holidays were always big events with parties in the basement of the family's two-flat. The menu always included an abundance of kielbasa, kapusta and pierogis. Jean and family resided in the same home for over sixty years. Many of Jean's lifelong friends were from the "old neighborhood." After moving to Elk Grove Village, Jean was quick to make dear friends with new neighbors. These bonds brought joy.

In her later years, Jean was an avid Skip-Bo player and enjoyed playing with family members young and old. Winners and losers alike were often rewarded with a slice of her homemade poundcake. She loved to dance the Polka and listen to crooner Engelbert Humperdinck. Always social and up for a visit, Jean hosted countless pool parties and bingo parties with friends and family. Jean never let you go hungry, always made you laugh and never complained. She was optimistic, no-nonsense and so very proud of her family.

Loving Grandmother of Kimberly (Scott) Harp, Anya (Stephen) Milton, Ian Arsenault, Michka Reynders, Holly Lodarek, Lauren (Ryan) Osborn, Ursula Arsenault (Robert Adams), Otto Arsenault, Emile Reynders, Stephanie (Nathan) King, Merry (Rob) Bischak, Christopher (Melissa) Mitchell.

Great-Grandmother of Tyler and Reilly Harp, Elka and Birgit Milton, Emma, Julia and Charlie Osborn, Flicka and William Adams, Caterra Morenejo, Mars and Desi Arsenault, Eloise and Leonard King, Katelyn, Olivia, Charlotte and Madelyn Bischak, Genevieve and Vivian Mitchell.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Stanley Styrkowicz (Regina), Eugene Styrkowicz (Dorothy), Irene Piekielko (John), and Loretta Skibinski (Chester).

Jean is survived by a large, loving family, including many nieces and nephews, and former son-in-law, William (Betsy) Arsenault. The family is grateful to Jean's niece Karen Styrkowicz, for her loving care for Jean in her final months.

Jean will be buried beside Casey at Maryhill Cemetery. A celebration of Jean's life will be forthcoming.

The family requests that donations for Masses for Jean be sent to Susan Lodarek, 2360 Mohawk Lane, Glenview, Illinois 60025.

For further information please call 312-421-0936.