Mrs. Ann Nowakowski was a devoted wife to Gene, mother to Michael (Suzanne), Susan (Steve), Thomas (Midge), and Matthew (Christine), grandmother to Stephanie, Veronica, Zak, and Gene and sister to Mary, Ronnie, Tony, Frank and Sue. She had a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

During her 85 years, Ann enjoyed spending time with family, and was always curious and a lover of education. She was an avid reader and was very attentive to make sure her children and grandchildren loved to read and kept up with their studies. Ann and Gene enjoyed travel: Florida, Door County, Yellowstone, South Carolina, around Wisconsin…in a camper, in hotels, in condominiums, they loved to see the world.

Ann was a life-long fan of Wisconsin sports, especially her beloved Milwaukee Brewers, Bucks, and Green Bay Packers. She loved to cook for the family during holiday gatherings, and she always looked forward to when her family could all gather in Cudahy and De Forest. Ann approached and lived life by the advice she offered her family: always find a way to do good. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Community Adult Day Center (4501 Main St, Downers Grove, ILL 60515)

Her children would like to offer this prayer from St. Augustine

Death is Nothing

I have just moved to the neighboring room. I am who I am…
You are whom you are, that which we were to one another,
We will always be. Call me by name.
Speak to me like you always have.
Don’t use a different tone…Do not be solemn or sad.
Continue to laugh at that which made us laugh together.
Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be pronounced at home. As it always was
Without pomposity or gloom. Life is still the same,
It is what it always was. The thread is not broken.
Why should I be away from your thoughts?
Just because I am away from your sight?
I am not far, just on the other side of the road.